Emenike Urge Members to Eschew Politics of Bitterness

…As ANLCA Restoration Thanksgiving Service Holds In Port Harcourt

BY EGUONO ODJEGBA

Nwokeoji, Oduntan,Hajia Muse and ANLCA national leadership and chieftains at the occassion

The National President of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Emenike Nwokeoji has charged members to remain united in pursuing goals that will make the association grow and avail members opportunities that abound in coming together, rather than engage in politics of bitterness.

Nwokeoji who was speaking in Port Harcourt at the weekend when the association’s National Executive Committee (NECOM) held a Thanksgiving Service to commemorate the restoration of peace, unity and progress within ANLCA.

ANLCA Women in a pose with Mr & Dr. Nwokeoji

The occasion which was followed by a grand, national reception at the Golden Tulip Hotel, Stadium Road, Port Harcourt, was a significant milestone in ANLCA’s 70-year history as the event brought together chieftains of the association irrespective of political leaning, members from all the zones, invited dignitaries, well-wishers and friends.

At the Church service

While the thanksgiving service held at Christ Church set the spiritual tone for the day, Reverend Cannon Francis Ogidi delivered an inspiring sermon titled “When Ebenezer Is Involved”, emphasizing God as the ultimate rock on which individuals and organizations stand. Drawing from the biblical concept of “Ebenezer,” meaning “stone of help,” the Reverend noted that that God’s grace and guidance remains pivotal in the affairs of ANLCA’s recent political journey to have made it possible to navigate the rough waters of the recent crisis into the dawn of restoration.

Special Assistant to the National President on Special Duties, Mr. Joe Sanni in a statement said the service was a moment of reflection and renewal, with prayers of thanksgiving and hymns of praise filling the air.

“Members of ANLCA, joined by their families and friends, lifted their voices in unison, acknowledging God’s hand in the association’s transformation.”

Speaking at a reception party after the church service, Emenike Nwokeoji, recounted the association’s turbulent journey through a seven-year crisis. He highlighted how internal strife, driven by the “base instincts of domination and exploitation,” had threatened ANLCA’s very foundation.

However, through divine intervention and the commitment of its members, ANLCA emerged stronger, with a rebranded and peaceful structure now in place. The National President thanked the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN), the Comptroller General of Customs, and the Customs Consultative Committee (CCC), whose support he said played critical roles in resolving the crisis.

He also called on ANLCA members to uphold the association’s core values and never again to allow personal interests to overshadow the collective goals.

“Never shall we again allow our dear Association to be hijacked for personal aggrandizement and ego-tripping.”

According to the statement, his call for “politics without bitterness” resonated deeply with the audience, reinforcing the importance of unity and collective purpose.

Chairman of the Organizing Committee and the incumbent Chairman ANLCA Onne Seaport Chapter, Mr. Mike Ebeatu while speaking praised the resilience and determination of ANLCA’s leadership and members, even as he acknowledged the hard work put in by members of the committee, whom he said did their utmost best within the limited time available to them to ensure that the event is successful.

A statement jointly signed by ANLCA  Eastern Zonal Coordinator Mr. Joshua Ahuama and the Zonal Secretary, Dr (Mrs) Chinyere Okere allpauded Emenike Nwokeoji for bringing savvy and finesse into the leadership arena, and also expressed appreciation to all and sundry for being part of the thanksgiving ceremony.

The statement reads: “Today, we gather to honour and celebrate the achievements of our esteemed ANLCA community at the National Thanksgiving, we are particularly delighted to welcome our amiable and proactive National President, Mr. Emenike Nwokeoji, whose visionary leadership has been instrumental in steering our association toward greater heights.”

They Eastern Zone leaders also appreciated the National Executive Committee (NECOM) and the Board of Trustees, particularly board members and Patrons that graced the occasion.

“Your presence today underscores the solidarity and shared commitment that drive ANLCA forward”, they said.

Present at the event wereANLCA  Vice President, Prince Segun Oduntan; Board Chairman,  Alhaji Taiwo Mustapha; Former National President, Sir (Chief) Ernest Elochukwu;  Western Zonal Coordinator, Alhaji Femi Anifowoshe;  ANLCA Patron, Chief Henry Njoku; Member BoT, Mr. Kingsley Offor, National Secretary, Olumide Fakunle; National Treasurer, Hajia Bola Muse;  and invited guests, including dignitaries andrepresentatives of government agencies and stakeholders in the maritime sector.

According to Joe Sanni, the warm camaraderie and shared joy among attendees reflected the unity and solidarity that now define ANLCA.

“The thanksgiving event was more than a celebration; it was a declaration of a new era for ANLCA. With plans to conduct elections in 17 chapters and a renewed commitment to transparency and inclusivity, the association is poised for sustained progress.”