Harvests Of Accolades As NAGAFF Celebrates Barrister Ahkokia,After Years Of Meritorious Service

Harvests Of Accolades As NAGAFF Celebrates Barrister Ahkokia,After Years Of Meritorious Service
……..a brilliant and an all rounder professional – Enelamah ,NAGAFF BoT chairman
………. very knowledgeable and highly reliable- Dr Iwegbuna,NPRO, NAGAFF

By Frank Odinukaeze

The National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders, NAGAFF, Headquarters was agog on Wednesday,31 July,2024,as the Freight Forwarding Association,celebrated one of its founding member of the Association ,who was going on retirement,after many years of Meritorious service to the organisation.
Barrister Fred Ahkokia’s journey in the Association officially came to a glorious end last Wednesday , although he maintains that the bond between him and the Association is unbreakable,as he would continue be with the Association in spirit.
Barrister Ahkokia served NAGAFF in many capacities: He was the first Secretary General of NAGAFF,for close to four years, before upgrading to the position of Deputy president.A brilliant and erudite lawyer,he also served as the Association’s legal adviser on many occasions.

The first Presidential candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party,NNPP, Barrister Ahkokia 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
Speaking during the auspicious occasion, graced by the BOT Chairman, Chief Chidiebere Enelamah, and the members, Deputy National Vice President’s Headquarters and Seaports, Forwarder Simeon Nwonu, Chief Adam Chukwuma, Chairman Elders Council, Prince Ignatius Nwachukwu and other NAGAFF members, the Founder of NAGAFF, Dr. Boniface Aniebonam described Barr Akokia 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.

Speaking also, 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,”.
In an interview, Barrister Ahkokia 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
“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 Ahkokia 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.Accoding 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 Ahkokia said the legacy he is leaving behind is hard work.According to him, without hard work there can’t be any legacy.
” 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,they will have a very bright future.
On his relationship with the founder of NAGAFF Dr Boniface Okechukw Aniebonam, Barrister Ahkokia affirmed that ,” Dr Boniface Okechukw Aniebonam is a very reliable person,very generous and good hearted.He tells you as it is.He doesn’t mince words.He is a very a very nice person”.He recalled how he met Dr Aniebonam way back in the Nigeria Customs service,adding that he even signed Dr Aniebonam’s recruitment letter in the Nigeria Customs service,and ever since ,they have been very close friends
On his part the chairman BOT of NAGAFF, Chidiere Elenamah described Barrister Ahkokia as,” A very jolly person”He said Barrister Ahkokia is a very personable personality and highly intelligent and very articulate.He is a socialite,and Avery good friend,and well rounded professional.
Also speaking in an interview,prince IG.Nwachukwu ,National Chairman of NAGAFF council of Elders,and also a member of NAGAFF Board of Trustees, described Barrister Ahkokia as a complete professional
He said Barrister Ahkokia has committed so much time for NAGAFF and rightly deserves what ever honours that are being accorded him today.
He noted that the learned legal adviser has used his youthful age to serve NAGAFF,adding that the NAGAFF would miss his wise councels.He however wished him well in his retirement from NAGAFF
On his part the National public relations officer of NAGAFF,Dr Clement Iwuemuna,fondly called ” Omenma” heaped praise on the retiring legal adviser ,describing him as an excellent ,brilliant and very knowledgeable professional.