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CRFFN Moves To Boast Nation’s IGR
Determined to improve and boost the nation’s internally generated revenue (IGR), the Council for the Registration of Freight Forwarders of Nigeria (CRFFN) has begun a nationwide sensitization of its members on the payment of the operational fee through the digitalised online portal.
The Director of CRFFN in charge of Regulation and Enforcement, Mr Basil Opara while speaking during a sensitisation programme in Port Harcourt, recently, with the theme: ‘Sensitization and Demonstration of CRFFN Portal Registration, Annual Subscription and Processing of Practitioners’ Operating Fee (POF) Payment” organised by the council on simplified ways of paying practitioners’ operating fee (POF), said the new online portal payment regime introduced by the council would check fraud in the system and boost the IGR of the Federal Government.
Opara stated that the programme was designed to educate members on how to queue into the modified online payment system as introduced by the council as well as enable the operators pay their fees online with ease.
He said that the importance of the online payment portal was a deliberate effort designed to boost the nation’s IGR, adding that 35per cent of the fee paid goes back to the freight operators’ coffers.
“We are here to sensitize our members in the freight forwarding business on how they can pay their registration fees and other bills through the online portal platform. We were here in January this year to introduce this new digital payment system”, he stated.
In his remarks, the Zonal Coordinator, Special Control Unit Money Laundering (SCUML) in Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Port Harcourt, Sunji Audu, said that the commission monitors, supervises and regulates activities of designated non-financial institutions which include clearing and forwarding agencies.
He urged them to obtain evidence of registration, ensure that they comply with all the laws in compliance with the Money Laundry Act, as well as the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment of Non-Financial Institutions Regulations 2013, and advised them to keep records of all transactions and ensure they carry out proper Customs identification when doing business to avoid EFCC’s sanctions during inspection.
Also speaking, the Commissioner of Police in charge of Eastern Ports, Tamunoemi Peterside, explained that the introduction of the payment of the operators’ fee online would help ease their job in ensuring the maintenance of security and peace keeping in the ports.
Represented by DCP in charge of Operations, Monday Agbonika, Peterside, said that the online payment system would help hasten investigation of crimes in the ports, especially in the areas of tracing and tracking of payments and forgery of documents, and urged freight forwarding operators to seek legal remedies on any issue that has to do with their payment.
Earlier, the Chairman, Area 1, Seaport chapter of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), Mr Ngozi Uzohuo, commended the initiative of the council in introducing the online portal as well as the advocacy sensitization campaign in the state.
By: Akujobi Amadi
The State Coordinator of the forum, Archbishop Lucky Aroh, made this known during a breakfast and thanksgiving meeting held in Port Harcourt, where leaders gathered to pray for the stability of the party and the safety of its candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.According to him, the meeting was convened to seek divine intervention for peace, unity, and security among APC candidates across Rivers State.
“Today we are praying for APC stability in Rivers State and the security of our candidates that have been elected to contest the 2027 elections. It is a breakfast meeting,” Aroh said.
He further expressed optimism that the party’s candidates would not disappoint the people if entrusted with leadership responsibilities.
“They will not fail when elected into office. We are here as fathers of the land to let them know, and I must tell you the truth that these are the authentic people that will do well in Rivers State,” he added.
Speaking earlier, the National Chairman of the forum, Professor Olanrewaju Abraham, commended the Rivers State chapter for organizing the programme, noting that the national body of the forum believes strongly in the power of prayer.
He stated that political leadership provides an opportunity to influence society positively, including advancing moral and spiritual values, while expressing confidence that APC candidates at all levels would emerge victorious in the upcoming elections.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Women Leader of the APC, Hon. Darling Amadi, praised the forum for its commitment to prayers for peace, stability, and the protection of party candidates.
Represented by the Deputy Women Leader of the party in the state, she described the initiative as commendable and urged other political and support groups within the party to emulate the gesture in promoting unity and stability.
By: John Bibor, Menebe Emmanuel & Fortune Paibi
The colourful celebration took place at the Port Harcourt Golf Club, where friends, associates, and well-wishers converged to pay tribute to the revered elder statesman.
Chairman of the occasion, High Chief (Dr.) Ikenna Okafor, described the celebrant as a detribalised Nigerian whose generosity, humility, and commitment to humanity have earned him admiration across different communities and backgrounds.
According to Dr. Okafor, Pa Osagwe-Ogo’s impact on society and the development of his community remains unparalleled. He noted that members of the golfing community are proud to be associated with a father figure who consistently promotes the welfare and well-being of those around him.
He further stated that the history and growth of the Port Harcourt Golf Club cannot be told without acknowledging the significant role played by the celebrant, whose wisdom, encouragement, and leadership have helped sustain the club over the years.
“We are here to celebrate a man who has impacted humanity positively, a peace-loving individual and an epitome of hope for the younger generation. We pray to emulate his virtues. Today, we celebrate a bridge-builder, a trailblazer, and an iconic leader whose life continues to inspire many,” Dr. Okafor said.
He expressed delight at the large turnout of guests from various walks of life, describing it as a testament to the respect and affection Pa Osagwe-Ogo commands within and beyond Rivers State.
In his response, the celebrant, Pa Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, expressed profound gratitude to God for preserving his life and granting him the privilege of attaining the milestone age of 70.
He also thanked members of the Port Harcourt Golf Club, family members, friends, and associates for identifying with him during the celebration and for their unwavering support over the years.
The event featured the cutting of the birthday cake, presentation of awards to deserving members of the club, goodwill messages, and moments of celebration among guests.
The ceremony was attended by notable personalities from the business community, the golfing fraternity, and other sectors, all of whom joined in celebrating the life and legacy of the respected elder statesman.
The awards, which formed part of activities marking Nigeria’s Democracy Day on June 12, were formally presented on Tuesday at the Ministry of Information and Communications in Port Harcourt.
Presenting the awards was Hon. Abdul Hameed Oladipupo Alli, popularly known as “Mr. Nigeria,” Publisher of Asiwaju Trumpet Magazine and Achievers World International Magazine.
Governor Fubara was recognised for his efforts in sustaining peace, stability, and a conducive political atmospherJohn Bibor / Menebe Emmanuel / Fortune Paibie in Rivers State. The organisers noted that his administration has fostered harmony and strengthened civic participation across the state.
Dr. Sirawoo, on the other hand, was honoured for his exemplary administrative leadership and significant contributions to effective information management within the Ministry of Information and Communications.
Representing Dr. Sirawoo at the presentation ceremony, Dr. Christian Davies received the award on his behalf and expressed gratitude for the recognition. He described the honour as a reflection of Dr. Sirawoo’s unwavering commitment to professionalism, excellence, and dedicated public service.
Dr. Davies assured the organisers that the award would be formally conveyed to the Permanent Secretary.
The event also featured the presentation of commemorative publications highlighting major governance and civic milestones in Rivers State, including Easter celebrations, Workers’ Day activities, the Governor’s third anniversary in office, and Democracy Day programmes.
Organisers of the awards commended the Rivers State administration for what they described as sustained peace, political stability, and improved civic engagement, noting that these achievements have contributed significantly to the state’s continued development.
By: Jessica Sambol