If you see Chief Mrs. Caro Akum Ufere congratulate her! It was in this mood that we all gathered to appreciate God’s favour and protection in her life penultimate Saturday, 27th October, 2018 at Catholic Church of the Holy Spirit, Omole Phase 1, Ikeja, Lagos. It was a retirement thanksgiving service and the 60th birthday of our great MMS Hall of Famer.
It was an evening that pried into the future, gratified the past and re-defined the present.
That prodding evening, a rhythm of soul-lifting song of appreciation by one of the presiding priests filtered from the altar to sooth the moment of hunger. Oh, wishes almost became horses, it is just that there were no beggars to have a ride that evening as souls got soaked in this:
“I never knew you will honour me this way
I never knew you will honour me this way
I never knew you will honour me this way
Honour me this way , thank you my Lord!”
It was simply, electrifying as souls, expectedly melted in acquiescence, hands lifted in acknowledgment , bodies merried in motion, feet shuffled in honour and voices echoed in praise. It was wholesome!
It was all in gratitude to God for seeing Mrs. Caro Akum Ufere through 35 years of meritorious service in Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and capping it with 60th birthday. Memories, were indeed dripping like water.
Different thoughts filled the air, having a passing glance at the moment. But the most instructive was the journey from the cradle to sixty scores, wading through challenges of life in good health and elegance, not just of the personality but of the heart. Hitting 60 years in Nigeria where life expectancy is less than 50 years calls for some dance steps. Can you also explain how it feels to work and retire from public service in Nigeria without integrity challenge? Many, also died in either active or inactive service!
How would you describe Caro Ufere? To us in MMS Woman of Fortune Hall of Fame (WoFHoF) Initiative, she is a humble humanist of an immense proportion, a human relations manager, a mother of mothers, a proponent of diplomacy as access to everything and a strong character in professionalism and marital relationship.
It is therefore not a coincidence that she bears Carolyn, which means ‘Strong’ and Akum, which also means ‘My wealth’ in Igbo. By the way, she is a grand mother, with a record of mothering a lawyer with jaw-breaking continental awards.
Most Carolyns I have come across are strong characters and pillars in their chosen paths. My own mother is one.
It was an evening that brought old friends together and new friends made.
Other MMS Hall of Famers that showed up that evening are: Mrs Funke Agbor, SAN, Dr. Mrs. Chinwe Abama.
One of the young female trail blazers in the maritime industry, Ms. Adaora Nwaonu and the public relations guru, Nkechi Alli-Balogun, and many other pretty queens and kings graced the night of many questions, as it were. The MMS WoFHoF Initiative family was well represented too.
One question that stood out among many was, what next for Caro Ufere? She is retired but obviously not tired. She will do well in politics where her husband, Chief Kingsley Ufere is already on a good altitude. However, the question remains: Which ship are we all sailing in with you, next?
Caro Ufere, as the Port Manager, Port Harcourt, Port was professionally active and supportive to younger women and entrepreneurs. She exited NPA as the General Manager, SERVICOM, having also served as General Manager, Special Duties and General Manager, Superannuation, at different times.
Congratulations Madam!
