Freight forwarders counselled on healthy living as APFFLON President appreciates their support

One unique feature of the end of the year party of the Africa Association of Professional Freight Forwarders and Logistics of Nigeria (APFFLON), which took place on Wednesday, December 17, 2025 at Tin Can Island Port, Apapa, Lagos, was the healthcare talk.

Unique because it emphasises the need for all freight forwarders and, in fact, all professionals to be in a state of sound mind and healthy body to perform their professions. The healthcare talk is also imperative considering the alarming rate at which freight forwarders drop dead. What greets one, an observing person, at the entrance of many a Customs command is a postal announcing death. And who is in the postal? A freight forwarder or customs officer. Although there are many postals announcing good information too.

A group of medical personnel, led by Dr. Joshua Gbenga Aderinola, was on the standby giving medical advice to APFFLON members and guests. The health talk, delivered by Dr. Joshua Gbenga Aderinnola, centred on kidney care – what to do to make our kidney functions at it should be.

This medical outreach typifies the high prize which the APFFLON National President,  Otunba Frank Ogunojemite, places on the healthcare and wellbeing of his members; ever wanting them to be healthy at all times. And that was why the healthcare talk was preeminent at the event above abundant good music, food and wine.

After the healthcare talk, remarks from notable stakeholders including Customs, National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) followed.

The representative of the Tin Can Island Port Customs Command, Nigeria Customs Service, Assistant Comptroller Okoro, encouraged members of the association and other freight forwarders to be  compliant in their declarations. He noted that the Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, and Comptroller Frank Onyeka as the Controller of the command are not leaving any stone unturned in the customs reforms which include digitalisation to promote trade facilitation.

Assistant Comptroller Okoro advised APFFLON members to utilise the various tools such as AEO, Advanced Ruling, introduced by the Service, to promote their job.

In her remarks, Commandant of War Against Drugs Abuse (WADA) of NDLEA, Rachael James, said the NDLEA is considering a memorandum of understanding with freight forwarders that will guide against influx of hard drugs and even serve as a safenet for freight forwarders and customs agents.

She encouraged them not to be too forward in a seizure of hard drugs while the real owner is shielding his head.

Dr. Ademola Irinyemi, a lecturer from the Redeemer University, counseled freight forwarders to invest more in learning, saying that the reforms in the customs operations are getting too cumbersome for an unlearned mind to comprehend. “If you are yet to get educated, do it today,” Irinyemi submitted.

Speaking, the  APFFLON National President, Otunba Frank Ogunojemite, who was full of gratitude to God, said the year 2025 really tested the strength of the association but for the courage, loyalty, resilience and commitment of all members, the association triumphed.

Ogunojemite said all these good virtues displayed by members have been the true pillars of the association. He expressed good optimism that the year 2026 shall be a greater one.

“As we gather to celebrate the close of another remarkable year, I stand before you with deep pride, gratitude, and unwavering confidence in the spirit of this great association.

“This year tested our strength, our unity, and our resolve – but like true champions, we did not retreat. We stood firm. We pressed forward. And together, we transformed challenges into victories. APFFLON once again proved that when purpose meets unity, greatness is inevitable.

“I salute every member for your loyalty, resilience, and commitment. Your sacrifice, your service, and your belief in our collective vision are the true pillars of our success. You are not just members of an association – you are builders of legacy, guardians of progress, and torchbearers of hope.

‘Let this celebration reminds us that our journey is far from over. The coming year calls for greater courage, deeper collaboration, and bolder ambition. And I have no doubt – none whatsoever – that APFFLON will rise even higher, stronger and more united than ever before.

“Let us step into the new year with renewed strength, unshakable faith, and an unbreakable bond as one family,” Ogunojemite sermonised.

The event, which was hosted by the Tin Can Island Port Chapter, was attended by all national executive members, leaders and chapter executive members. The host Chapter Chairman, Alhaji Akin Ayobiojo, welcomed all to the occasion.