ANLCA VP Prince Oduntan, ASIMPIN, Freight Associations Turnout for Late Prince Ozo Chukwurah’s Wake-keep

By DAPO OLAWUNI

The National Vice President of Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) Prince Segun Oduntan as well as hundreds of maritime stakeholders, freight forwarders and industry leaders gathered on Saturday to honour the late Prince Ozo Chukwurah at a Wake-keep service held in his honour.

Chukwura was a former Chairman of ANLCA Tin Can Island Chapter, former Vice Chairman of the ANLCA Governing Board and Board Member of the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN).

The Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), represented by its National Vice President, Prince Olusegun Oduntan, joined members of 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), and several industry leaders at the well-attended wake-keep held in his honour.

Speakers described Chukwurah as a bridge-builder, mentor, peacemaker and detribalized leader whose contributions to freight forwarding, customs brokerage and association administration left an enduring impact on the maritime industry. They recalled his commitment to unity, his readiness to support colleagues in distress and his dedication to nurturing younger practitioners.

Former ANLCA Board of Trustees Chairman and Patron, Chief Henry Njoku, described the late freight forwarder as a trusted friend and dependable ally whose influence extended beyond professional circles. He said Chukwurah served ANLCA with integrity, humility and uncommon dedication, adding that he consistently placed the interests of the association above personal ambitions.

Njoku recounted how Chukwurah once travelled to London solely to attend his son’s graduation after receiving a casual invitation, describing the gesture as a reflection of his loyalty and selflessness.

In an emotional tribute, Chukwurah’s sister portrayed him as the pillar of the family whose generosity transformed the lives of many relatives. She revealed that he played a crucial role in the education and welfare of her children following the death of her husband and remained a constant source of support to family members throughout his lifetime.

Former ANLCA National Vice President, Dr. Kayode Farinto, said the massive turnout at the funeral underscored Chukwurah’s impact on people across the industry. He praised him as a detribalized leader who identified and nurtured talent irrespective of ethnic background and recalled how he once sacrificed an elective position for the sake of peace within ANLCA.

Farinto also highlighted his role in resolving disputes and supporting practitioners facing operational challenges.

Also speaking, Mr. Samuel Adefenwa, Chukwurah’s classmate and former lecturer at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, described him as one of the most generous individuals he had ever known. He noted that despite his busy professional schedule, Chukwurah remained committed to academic excellence and was widely respected for his willingness to assist students, colleagues and friends.

Adding a personal perspective, Ojo Peter Akintoye recounted how his initial perception of Chukwurah changed after they became close associates.

He narrated how the late freight forwarder stood firmly by him during a difficult customs-related challenge, personally accompanying him to Abuja and mobilising support that helped resolve the matter.

Akintoye further recalled that Chukwurah once volunteered to share any punishment that might be imposed on him, describing the gesture as evidence of extraordinary loyalty, courage and friendship.

He concluded that Chukwurah’s generosity, selflessness and commitment to others would remain an enduring legacy within the maritime community.