On Friday, August 30, 2024, the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) will host a grand send-forth ceremony for Deaconess Kate Oghagbon, affectionately known as “Mama NAGAFF,” at their national headquarters located at No. 2 Maybin Street, Apapa.
This event marks the culmination of Oghagbon’s 15 years of dedicated service as the Association’s first National Women Leader.
According to a statement, the ceremony will also feature the launch of a new bus for the women’s wing and the presentation of awards to distinguished personalities within the association and the broader maritime industry.
Notable attendees include NAGAFF Founder Dr. Boniface Aniebonam, who will serve as the father of the day, BOT Chairman Chief Chidiebere Enelama, NAGAFF President Chief Tochukwu Ezisi, Deputy National President (Headquarters) Fwdr. Simeon Nwonu, Deputy National President (Seaports) Chief Afam Chukwuma, and Deputy National President (Air Logistics) Dr. Segun Musa, National.
Others are Coordinator of the 100% Compliance Team Hon. Ibrahim Tanko, former NAGAFF President Dr. Eugene Nweke, Chairman of the Elders Council Prince Ignatius Nwachukwu, and Vice President (Seaport) Princess Chi Eze, all the chapter Chairmen of NAGAFF, Godwin Anu, Innocent Abu, Guest Preacher, Dr. Prophetess Mercy Godwin and others.
Alhaji Fatai Suleiman will steer the occasion, which will also see awards presented to individuals who have made significant contributions to their fields and supported the NAGAFF Women’s Wing.
Those to be honoured include Chief Tochukwu Ezisi, Mrs. Helen Ezisi, Princess Chi Eze, and Deaconess Kate Oghagbon herself.
Appointed as the National Women Leader in 2010 by then-President Dr. Eugene Nweke, Oghagbon has been instrumental in uniting and nurturing women in the industry. Her leadership has elevated the women’s wing to new heights.
On June 27, 2024, she announced her retirement, handing over to her deputy, Princess Uju Ebubedike, who will serve until the women’s general elections in January 2025.
In her farewell speech, Oghagbon emphasized the importance of giving younger members the opportunity to lead and bring fresh ideas to the table. “I considered it necessary to leave office in order to give opportunity for the younger ones to showcase their ability, bring in new ideas that would take the women to enviable heights,” she stated.
“The current Women Leader, Princess Uju Ebubedike, and her team, who have greatly benefited from Oghagbon’s leadership, deemed it essential to honour her in a unique and memorable way,” the statement added.
