Obiekezie Emerges AREFFN National President, Pledges Far-Reaching Reforms

Chief Francis Obiekezie has emerged as the National President of the Association of Registered Freight Forwarders Nigeria, AREFFN, following his victory in the association’s national election, with a promise to reposition the organisation for greater visibility, accountability and institutional growth.

Obiekezie polled 47 votes to defeat other contenders in the election conducted at AREFFN’s National Secretariat in Lagos, with voting also taking place simultaneously in the South-East region.

Other members elected into the national executive council include Egwuatu Okechukwu, who polled 46 votes to emerge National Vice President; Bartho Umerah, elected National Secretary with 44 votes; and Nnadozie Nwachukwu Samuel, who secured 47 votes to become Assistant Secretary.

Similarly, Morrison Jackson emerged Treasurer with 45 votes, while Maduka Kingsley Otta won the Financial Secretary position with 47 votes. Fatomilola Taiwo Gbenga also polled 47 votes to emerge Publicity Secretary.

The election was supervised by the Head of the Western Zonal Office of the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria, CRFFN, Mr. Nwankwo Okechukwu Noel, who represented the Registrar, Mr. Kingsley Igwe.

Speaking after his emergence, Obiekezie, who had served as Acting National President for several months, expressed appreciation to God, the electoral committee and members of the association for the confidence reposed in him.

He described his election as the reward for years of dedication and service to AREFFN, recalling that he had served in various capacities, including Assistant Secretary, Acting Secretary, Secretary, Chief of Staff and Acting President.

According to him, his progression through the ranks had provided him with the experience and institutional knowledge required to lead the association.

“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.

The new president acknowledged that the election process was not without challenges, noting that differences had emerged in an association that had historically operated as one family. He, however, expressed satisfaction that constructive advice and wise counsel helped to resolve the issues.

Obiekezie pledged to consolidate the achievements recorded during his acting leadership, maintaining that AREFFN had made remarkable progress in recent months, including milestones that had eluded the association in its previous 17 years.

He expressed concern, however, over what he described as the association’s inadequate visibility within the maritime industry, particularly as it approaches its 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 lamented.

He assured members that his administration would address the challenge through deliberate reforms and strategic engagement, promising significant achievements before the end of 2026 and greater industry recognition in 2027.

On leadership and governance, Obiekezie emphasised the need for transparency, accountability and responsible management, arguing that greed and questionable practices were often responsible for disagreements in professional associations.

He urged members to remain committed and dedicated, irrespective of their positions, stressing that responsible service and consistency could open doors to greater leadership responsibilities.

“Wherever you are, in any capacity, just know that people are watching you,” he advised.

The AREFFN president also promised an open-door administration that would encourage contributions, suggestions and constructive criticism from members and executives.

He appealed to members to continue supporting their respective chapter chairmen and executives, particularly those in Apapa and Tin Can Island, whom he commended for their contributions towards sustaining the operations of the national secretariat.

Obiekezie further extended an invitation to former members interested in returning to the association, urging them to formalise their re-entry by submitting letters withdrawing their earlier resignations.

“The AREFFN train has taken off, and if you don’t join now, you may have regrets later,” he declared.

Speaking on the outcome, the Secretary of AREFFN’s Board of Trustees, Mr. Innocent Elum, disclosed that the newly elected executives would serve a four-year tenure.

Elum, who also presided over the election on behalf of the association’s Electoral Committee, charged the new leadership to strengthen AREFFN’s institutional capacity, expand its presence across the maritime industry and improve engagement with members.

He described AREFFN as a unique professional association with diverse geopolitical representation, expressing confidence in the capacity of the new leadership to advance its objectives.

Photo Caption: The newly elected National President of the Association of Registered Freight Forwarders in Nigeria, AREFFN, Chief Francis Obiekezie (left), receives his Certificate of Office from the Head of the CRFFN Western Zonal Office, Mr. Nwankwo Okechukwu Noel, following the association’s national elections held on Saturday in Lagos.

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