Princess Chi @50: Port Stakeholders, Friends Pour Encomiums, Customs Applaud Compliance

…Princess is a model for women in freight forwarding – Aniebonam

Port industry stakeholders, friends and family turned out in style to celebrate the golden jubilee of Hon. Princess Chi Ezeh, with loads of encomiums even as the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) outlined her penchance for compliant trade.

The celebratory dinner, which held at Oriental hotel in Lagos, on Sunday was graciously moderated by one of Nollywood’s finest actors, Mr. Segun Arinze, while the participating guests included a fine blend of royalty, maritime bigwigs, Customs topshots, importers, freight forwarders, among others.

Speaking at the event, the Founder of National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), Dr. Boniface Aniebonam, described Princess Chi as a model of success for women in the freight forwarding practice.

His words: “She is quite exemplary for all women. When it comes to freight forwarding, I’ll say she is an all-rounderall-rounder and the most exciting thing is her perchance to draw other women into freight forwarding and other aspects of logistics business.”

“My dream is that she inspires more women to realize that freight forwarding and logistics business isn’t just for men. Women can do it and do it better than the men. One beautiful thing about the profession is that we learn on the job. I celebrate Princess as she marks the big 50 years today.”

In his remarks, the Customs Area Controller, Tin Can Island Port (TCIP) Command, Comptroller Dera Nnadi mni, described Princess Chi as an enigma.

According to the TCIP Area Controller, one of the things that distinguishes the new quinquagenarian in the freight forwarding practice is her compliance to trade regulations and appropriate Customs duty payments.

“She thinks nationalistic and encourages her clients to carryout true declaration. I would implore every other stakeholder in the port sector to emulate her. You gain a lot when you are compliant to government regulations. You gain a more mature clientele base, the goodwill of government agencies and the trust of industry operators,” Nnadi said.

While commending the celebrants humility despite her royal background, Nnadi stressed that life begins at 50 and charged Princess Chi to continue improving her social capital, integrity and compliant trade processes that has earned her huge success in freight forwarding.

“She joined the maritime industry and became a trailblazer. She has been elected into the Governing Board of the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN) and she is the only woman to have been elected in that capacity. It goes to show her amazing personality,” Nnadi remarked.

Earlier, the celebrant’s first daughter, Kamsi Ezeh, welcomed the guests on behalf of the family, explaining that Princess Chi’s love and support have been a constant source of strength and joy to the household.

Her words: “I have to admit, I didn’t prepare a speech because I figured, why not live on the edge and wing it? After all, if there’s one thing my mom taught me, it’s that life’s best moments are often unplanned!”

“Today, we gather to honor a truly remarkable woman, a shining star in our lives. Fifty years of love, laughter, tears, and triumphs have shaped her into the incredible person she is today. Mom, your unwavering dedication, selflessness, and kindness have inspired us all. Your legacy is woven into the fabric of our lives, and we are forever grateful.”

On his part, the President of NAGAFF, Chief Tochukwu Ezisi, expressed delight at the swift progress the celebrant has made in freight forwarding and her endearing persona among stakeholders.

“She has climbed to the highest rank of freight forwarding in Nigeria even to the apex as a governing Board member of CRFFN and deputy National President, Seaport at NAGAFF. I’m so proud of the progress she has made in the profession and across the industry. There isn’t anyone in the industry that she can’t walk up to,” the NAGAFF President said.

On his part, the celebrant’s husband, Mr. Anthony Ezeh, explained that their 30-year old marriage has been anchored on honesty, love and dedication.

“I love and trust Princess. I’m not perturbed about those few occasions when she calls to explain that she will be coming late. I understand the nature of the business and her plight. The fact that she lets me know everytime she’s going to be home late tells you what an excellent personality she has got,” he said.

Princess Chi’s sister, Lolo Nneka Nnenwosu, also gave a goodwill message, saying: “I wish her long life, many more years to celebrate and in good health.”