Business
Onne Freight Forwarders Get New Exco
A new executive committee led by a co-operative management expert, Dr Okechukwu Okoro, has been sworn in to pilot the affairs of the Onne Chapter of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) with a promise to improve the welfare of members in the area.
The inauguration was sequel to a keenly contested election by the hard cracking professional freight forwarders being the second in Onne Chapter since the association which was established in 1999 successfully completed its transition period in 2009.
Speaking on behalf of his executive members, the new NAGAFF Chairman, Dr. Okoro, said uppermost on his agenda is to effect a turn-around in the public perception of his colleagues by ensuring capacity and integrity in the freight forwarding business, seen in some circles as a collection of touts and criminally minded individuals.
To realise this objective, Dr. Okoro maintained that all freight forwarders and those intending to join the business would be required to have sound education besides going through the NAGAFF Academy solely established not only to oblige members responsible knowledge but also enable them imbibe the principles and ethics of freight forwarding in accordance with best international standards.
“Improved welfare of members through a co-operative society that will carter for the financial needs of members and a sound medical system to attend to their health challenges will also be given priority attention, Dr. Okey promised.
Speaking earlier, the National President of NAGAFF, Chief Innocent Uche, regretted the abandonment of the Eastern ports by the relevant authorities which he said has now been brought to the front burner by NAGAFF to reduce undue pressure on Lagos ports and save those wishing to unload their cargoes at Eastern ports the stress and extra cost of having to go to Lagos to discharge their goods.
Chief Uche disclosed that an ad-hoc committee has already been set up to address the issue.
Among the dignitaries that graced the occasion include commanders of different sections of the Nigerian Security apparatus, government representatives, and the national leaders of NAGAFF led by Chairman, Board of Trustees, Chidiebere Enelamah who represented the founder of NAGAFF, Dr. Boniface O. Aniebonan who is also the founder of the New Nigeria Peoples