Listen to story here
Chief Obiekezie Francis has been elected National President of the Association of Registered Freight Forwarders in Nigeria (AREFFN), pledging to strengthen the association’s visibility, deepen member participation and deliver significant institutional progress.
Obiekezie secured 47 votes to emerge victorious in the election held at AREFFN’s National Secretariat in Lagos, with voting also conducted concurrently in the South-East region.
The election was supervised by the Head of the Western Zonal Office of the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN), Nwankwo Okechukwu Noel, who represented the Registrar, Mr Kingsley Igwe.
The newly elected president, who had served in an acting capacity for several months, expressed gratitude to God, the electoral committee and members for their confidence in his leadership.
Describing his emergence as the culmination of years of service within the association, Obiekezie recalled that he had risen through various positions, including; Assistant Secretary, Acting Secretary, Secretary, Chief of Staff and Acting President.
“This is what they call rising from the ranks, and it means a lot because I have been groomed in all aspects of the association,” he said.
He acknowledged that the election process had presented challenges, noting that AREFFN had historically operated as one family. However, he said wise counsel had prevailed in resolving the issues that emerged.
Obiekezie promised to build on the achievements recorded during his tenure as acting president, claiming that the association had made significant progress in recent months, including accomplishments not attained in its previous 17 years.
He, however, expressed concern over AREFFN’s limited visibility within the maritime industry, despite its approaching 20th anniversary next year.
“In some places within the maritime sector today, we still go to introduce AREFFN as an association. We shouldn’t be introducing the association to anyone in the industry today because AREFFN will be 20 years old next year,” he said.
He pledged to address the situation, assuring members that the association would make major strides before the end of 2026, positioning it for greater recognition across the industry in 2027.
The president also called for greater transparency and accountability in association leadership, arguing that greed and questionable practices often fuel disputes in professional organisations.
Encouraging members to demonstrate commitment regardless of their positions, he said his own career within AREFFN showed that dedication and responsible service could lead to leadership opportunities.
“Wherever you are, in any capacity, just know that people are watching you,” he said.
Obiekezie further announced plans to operate an open-door administration, welcoming ideas from members and executives.
He urged members to support their chapter chairmen and executives, particularly those in Apapa and Tin Can Island, whom he commended for sustaining the national secretariat’s operations.
The new AREFFN President also encouraged former members seeking to return to the association to formalise their re-entry by submitting letters withdrawing their previous resignations.
“The AREFFN train has taken off, and if you don’t join now, you may have regrets later,” he said.
Election Results
The election results reflected strong support for the newly elected executive, with votes from Lagos and the South-East combined.
Obiekezie Francis emerged National President with 47 votes, while Egwuatu Atuegwu Okechukwu secured 46 votes to become National Vice President.
Bartho Umerah was elected National Secretary with 44 votes, and Nnadozie Nwachukwu Samuel won the Assistant Secretary position with 47 votes.
Morrison Jackson emerged Treasurer with 45 votes, while Maduka Kingsley Otta was elected Financial Secretary with 47 votes.
Fatomilola Taiwo Gbenga also secured 47 votes to become Publicity Secretary.
According to the Secretary of AREFFN Board of Trustees, Mr. Innocent Elum, the newly elected leadership is expected to run for a 4-year tenure, as he charged them to focus on strengthening AREFFN’s institutional capacity, expanding its industry presence and improving engagement with members.
Elum, who also provided over the election for AREFFN Electoral Committee, described the association as a unique group with diverse geo-political representation.
