Joyce Mmereole Okoli
On Friday, August 30, 2024, the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) will honor Deaconess Kate Oghagbon, affectionately known as “Mama NAGAFF,” in a grand send-forth ceremony at its national headquarters in Apapa, Lagos. The event marks the conclusion of Oghagbon’s 15 years of service as NAGAFF’s first National Women Leader, a role she assumed in 2010.
Deaconess Oghagbon, who has been a pivotal figure in uniting and empowering women within the maritime industry, announced her retirement on June 27, 2024, passing the baton to her deputy, Princess Uju Ebubedike, who will serve as the interim leader until the general elections scheduled for January 2025.
The ceremony, set to be a significant event within the maritime sector, will also feature the launch of a new bus for the NAGAFF Women’s Wing, and the presentation of awards to individuals who have made remarkable contributions to the association and the industry at large.
Among the dignitaries expected to grace the occasion are NAGAFF Founder Dr. Boniface Aniebonam, who will serve as the father of the day, and other prominent figures such as BOT Chairman Chief Chidiebere Enelama, NAGAFF President Chief Tochukwu Ezisi, and former President Dr. Eugene Nweke.
Alhaji Fatai Suleiman will preside over the ceremony, which will also see awards presented to Chief Tochukwu Ezisi, Mrs. Helen Ezisi, Princess Chi Eze, and Deaconess Kate Oghagbon herself.
In her farewell speech, Oghagbon emphasized the importance of allowing the younger generation to take up leadership roles.
“I considered it necessary to leave office in order to give the younger ones the opportunity to showcase their abilities and bring in new ideas that would take the women to enviable heights,” she stated.
The event promises to be a memorable one, as the NAGAFF community comes together to celebrate a leader who has left an indelible mark on the association and the broader maritime industry.