NAGAFF Chieftain , Barr. Akokhia Bows Out After Years Of Meritorious Service

By Roland Ekama 

A chieftain of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders, (NAGAFF), Barrister Fred Akokhia’ has retired from active service after many years of meritorious service to the organisation.

The NAGAFF, Headquarters was agog on Wednesday, 31 July ,2024, as he was celebrated by members .

Akokhia who is a founding member of the Association, although maintained that the bond between him and NAGAFF is unbreakable, saying he would continue to be with the foremost freight forwarding group in spirit.

Barrister Akokhia served NAGAFF in many capacities: which include first Secretary General of NAGAFF,for close to four years, before upgrading to the position of Deputy President.

The brilliant and erudite lawyer, also served as the association’s legal adviser on many occasions.

The first Presidential candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party,NNPP, Barrister Akokhia excelled in all assignments and positions he held, and even at retirement remains the Secretary of the Board of Trustees of the association,and also a member NAGAFF Council of Elders.

In an interview at the gathering Barrister Akokhia noted that ,”By the grace of God,we are gathered here today to celebrate me The board of NAGAFF and the founder decided that haven served this organisation for a long time ,that I must be celebrated .

“So we are gathered here today to celebrate me.

He said his experience in NAGAFF has been a very memorable one, pointing out that “My experience in NAGAFF over the years has been a very rewarding one. Basically, in NAGAFF,we see ourselves as one family.And that is why our slogan is ‘ up NAGAFF , one family “.

“There is no acrimony,there is no quarrels,and even when you have disagreement with anyone,the matter is amicably resolved.We eat from one plate and drink from one cup.So our relationship here in NAGAFF is cordial and harmonious.
” So for me , NAGAFF has been a very pleasant experience.

Barrister Akokhia who was filled with warmth and excitement ,said he will miss everyone in NAGAFF,adding that ,” These are people I see everyday and for sometime now I will not be seeing them physically-that comradeship I will miss that ,but I will always be with them in spirit.

“Thank God for social media I can always reach any one of them .As the secretary of the Board of Trustees,we can always discuss on zoom”

For him there are no challenges that are insurmountable.

According to him ,the founder of NAGAFF believes in the philosophy that every challenge is a stepping stone to a greater height.

To him there was no particular challenge he encountered during his time at NAGAFF.

He advised the young freight forwarders to subject themselves to learning.He said ,” I will advise the young freight forwarders to be humble and wait for their time.

“They should not try to overreach the philosophy of NAGAFF itself.We call ourselves members of one family,they should continue like that.And as they do that ,the sky will not only be a starting point for them “.

Barrister Akokhia said the legacy he is leaving behind is hard work.According to him, without hard work there can’t be any legacy, adding that:” I want every young freight forwarder to follow that path.”

“Try to be as hard working as you can be.If you are hard working ,the sky is not the limit , but a starting point for you.Let them not be in a hurry.Let them qué up and wait for their turn” the learned legal adviser submitted.He added that if they could focus on the ideals of NAGAFF and do exactly what NAGAFF asks them to do,

Also, speaking at the gathering, Founder of NAGAFF, Dr. Boniface Aniebonam described Barr Akokhia as his personal friend who contributed immensely to the growth of the association and the Industry at large.

According to Dr Aniebonam, “Fred is a gentle man and very controversial. He sees things from his perspective of Law while I see mine from a lay man’s perspective.

“We disagree to agree most times. He is a resourceful person. He signed my appointment paper into Nigeria Customs Service(NCS).

On his part, the National Deputy President of Nagaff, Seaports, Chief Adam Chukwuma described Barr Fred as very illustrious, hard working legal luminary who has proved his mettle in the profession and has always pushed for justice and equity.

Continuing Afam said,” Barrister is a man of honour. He is a man of Integrity. Number 1 Legal Advise of NAGAFF. We respect his decision to retire to South South to continue his life there.

“He has been a great man in his profession and I pray to God to always bless him and keep him,”.

Others who spoke to extol the maritime lawyer include – NAGAFF BOT Chairman, Chief Chidiebere Enelamah, Deputy National Vice President’s Headquarters and Seaports, Forwarder Simeon Nwonu, Prince Ignatius Nwachukwu etc.