ANLCA, Freight Forwarders Pay Glowing Tributes To Late Prince Ozo Chukwurah

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Amid an atmosphere of grief, fond remembrance and celebration of a life well lived, faithful of the Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), led by the Deputy National President, Prince Olusegun Oduntan, joined hundreds of mourners from across the maritime industry to bid farewell to former ANLCA Tin Can Island Chapter Chairman, former ANLCA Governing Board Vice Chairman, Board Member of the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN), and respected freight forwarding leader, Prince Ozo Felix Chukwurah.

The solemn but celebratory wake-keep gathering drew prominent stakeholders from the Association of Igbo Maritime Practitioners in Nigeria (ASIMPIN), the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), the Association of Registered Freight Forwarders in Nigeria (AREFFN), founder of AREFFN, Dr. Frank Ukor, ANLCA chieftain Sir John Ofobike, Comrade Ben Ndee, Mr. Pius Ujubonu, ANLCA Tincan Chapter Chairman, Prince Olawale Cole, ANLCA Apapa Chapter Chairman, Mr. Emeka Chukwumalu, and several other industry leaders, who paid glowing tributes to a man widely described as a bridge-builder, mentor and philanthropist. While music and tributes reflected a celebration of Chukwurah’s remarkable life, moments of emotion underscored the deep sense of loss felt by family members, friends and colleagues.

Throughout the ceremony, speakers reflected on Prince Ozo Felix Chukwurah’s remarkable contributions to freight forwarding, customs brokerage and association politics, highlighting his commitment to peace, unity and the advancement of the maritime industry. Many described him as a detribalized leader who devoted personal resources and influence to resolving disputes, mentoring younger practitioners and supporting colleagues in distress.

From family members and longtime associates to former lecturers and industry leaders, a common thread ran through every tribute: Chukwurah touched lives generously and left lasting memories that would endure long after his passing. Several speakers struggled to contain their emotions as they recounted stories of his kindness, loyalty and unwavering support for others.

Former Chairman of the ANLCA Board of Trustees and ANLCA patron, Chief Henry Njoku, described Prince Ozo Felix Chukwurah as far more than a colleague, calling him a trusted friend, brother and dependable ally whose impact transcended professional relationships. According to him, Chukwurah left an enduring footprint within ANLCA, the CRFFN and the wider maritime community.

Njoku recalled Chukwurah’s distinguished service as Chairman of ANLCA Tin Can Island Chapter and later as a member of the Board of Trustees, noting that his tenure was marked by integrity, humility and unwavering dedication to the growth of freight forwarding in Nigeria. He said Chukwurah remained one of the association’s most respected leaders because of his commitment to peace and progress.

Reflecting on their years of working together, Njoku said Chukwurah’s loyalty and wise counsel proved invaluable during his tenure as Chairman of the Board of Trustees. He described him as a unifier who consistently placed the interests of the association above personal ambitions and remained steadfast during difficult moments.

Perhaps the most emotional moment came when Njoku narrated how the late freight forwarder purchased a ticket and travelled to London solely to attend his son’s graduation after receiving a casual invitation. Chukwurah reportedly spent less than a day in the United Kingdom before returning to Nigeria, a gesture that drew admiration from mourners and perfectly illustrated his loyalty, selflessness and devotion to friendship.

In an emotional tribute, Chukwurah’s sister described him as the pillar of their extended family whose generosity transformed the lives of countless relatives. Fighting back tears, she revealed that all her children attained university degrees and professional qualifications largely because of the support and encouragement provided by her late brother.

She recounted how Chukwurah stepped in after the death of her husband, assuring her that none of her children would suffer despite the difficult circumstances. According to her, he remained true to that promise, consistently providing financial, emotional and moral support whenever the family needed him.

Beyond her immediate household, she said virtually every member of the Chukwurah family benefitted from his kindness and benevolence. While expressing gratitude for the overwhelming support received during the funeral activities, she said the family found comfort in the memories he left behind and in the impact he made on countless lives.

Former Deputy National President of ANLCA, Dr. Kayode Farinto, said the large turnout reflected the immense impact Prince Ozo Felix Chukwurah had on people across the maritime industry. He noted that while death remains inevitable, the true measure of a person’s life lies in the legacy they leave behind and the lives they touch.

Farinto described Chukwurah as a detribalized leader who judged people by their character rather than ethnic background and possessed a rare ability to identify and nurture talent. He recalled how Chukwurah once sacrificed an elective position he had invested heavily in simply to preserve peace within ANLCA, describing the act as a testament to his selflessness and commitment to unity.

Mr. Samuel Adefenwa, Chukwurah’s classmate and former lecturer at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, described him as one of the most generous and caring individuals he had ever encountered. He recalled that despite his demanding professional schedule, Chukwurah remained dedicated to academic excellence and became a source of encouragement to students and colleagues alike.

Adding a deeply personal dimension to the tributes, Ojo Peter Akintoye described Prince Ozo Felix Chukwurah as a man whose true character surpassed the perceptions many people initially held about him. He narrated how their relationship evolved from scepticism to a strong brotherly bond built on trust and mutual respect.

Akintoye recalled how Chukwurah stood firmly by him during a difficult customs-related challenge, personally accompanying him to Abuja and helping to secure a resolution. He also recounted how Chukwurah once insisted that if enforcement authorities intended to jail him and his associates, he would willingly share their fate, a gesture that reflected extraordinary loyalty and courage.

As the tributes continued late into the evening, mourners agreed that while Prince Ozo Felix Chukwurah’s passing has created a painful vacuum within the maritime community, the values he embodied—service, generosity, loyalty and peace—will continue to inspire those whose lives he touched.