Existential realism has posited that there are two types of human creations-those Born on one hand and those Designed on the other hand. These creations are found across the known formal twelve zodiac signs under astronomy like the four ancient personality types called temperament types-Sanguine, Choleric, Melancholic and Phlegmatic.
Chief Dr Boniface Okechukwu Aniebonam falls within the species designed as humans. His enigmatic disposition seems rooted in undulating divinity with phases of appreciation and understanding to men whom he means many things to on different occasions and seasons. His humility and accessibility belly his towering dogged, irrepressible and volcanic personalities. He is an entrepreneur, activist, advocate and humanist.
Chief founded the National Association of Government Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) as a child of circumstance but in a space and speed of twenty years, the baby has refined the logistics arm of clearing and forwarding practice in Nigeria with a dominant practice of freight forwarding in line with the international best practices. NAGAFF has so far, empowered over 5million Nigerians many of whom are employers of labour and interventionists in community and national projects.
He also founded the New Nigeria Peoples’ Party (NNPP) over twenty years ago as political party with a niche in maritime industry and the blue economy. The party found its feet lately as the fourth in ranking of political parties in Nigeria with parliamentarians at states and national level now as well as a serving governor and a formidable presidential candidate.
It is worthy of note that the recurring philosophy driving the thinking of this restless soul and spirit is rebirth of the old order. This, he achieved in NAGAFF and on the march now in the political space with NNPP.
He is the Chairman of Aniebonam Organisation,now a conglomerate that includes: Ojokoro Cement Industry, a major player in the freight forwarding business and other maritime and logistics business.
Born 65 years ago on September 15th as a virgo, who deconstructs some of its personality traits. Aniebonam’s life trajectory is a book of life with many chapters. Only men with rare courage could wish to relive the story. His peculiar trait is that one can only defeat him in peace; conflicts are his most cherished moments that bring triumph and glory.
Characteristically, virgos are endowed with talents for communication and are truthful but need a dream world that gives them escape from harsh reality. They are good at putting their reputation on the line for a good cause but are not Controversial. Usually, their sensitive nature may hide a sparkling personality. They are sensual ,romantic, great and loyal friend as well as loving and caring towards others. However, they can seem forgiving but do not forget at all.
He has an unbroken record of being.. the only person who got enlisted in Nigeria Customs Service(NCS) twice at two different times and circumstances and twice too shown the way out. But destiny is not only discreet but jealous in manipulation. By sheer being a clearing agent and operating under the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents(ANLCA) then, he discovered his real essence of creation.
With his zest to lend a helping hand to people always, he believes betrayals should not discourage one from reaching out when needed. “You can only feel the shock of betrayals when you don’t have the capacity to absorb it. I think I have the capacity”, he said. He believes it is part of life, citing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as an example of man who has seen many betrayals yet took them in strides without a conception of obstruction to future assistance to people.
Hailed from Umuawulu in Anambra State,he studied Mechanised Agriculture at Ahmadu Bello University’s College of Agricultuire in Samaru, Zaria. And later took an Advanced Diploma in Shipping, Ports Administration and Management from the University of Lagos. He also has a Post-Graduate Diploma(PGD) in Transport Planning and Management from the Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology(NITT), Zaria. Chief holds an honorary Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration from Hawaii’s Cornerstone University. Aniebonam is a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Shipping(NIS).
On Friday, last week, was another birthday for Ozo Ebubuchukwu as his revered title goes. Friends and well-wishers gathered and celebrated with him. Among those present was the newly posted Customs Area Controller(CAC) of Tin Can Island Port Command, Comptroller Dera Nnadi who congratulated the founder of NAGAFF, Dr.Aniebonam as he marked his 65th birthday.
In a congratulatory message to Aniebonam addressed as Ozo Ebube by his associates and admirers, the new Tin Can Island Customs boss described Aniebonam as the ‘conscience of Nigeria’s maritime industry’.
The message reads in part: “This is a special occasion to celebrate the Ozo Ebubechukwu of Umuawulu, Anambra State, Dr. Boniface Aniebonam. You are a philanthropist, motivational speaker, prolific writer, conscientious counselor, a worthy role-model par excellence, an empowerment giant, and more. I celebrate you Sir.”
“This birthday celebration is a golden opportunity for you to reflect on your role in the development of Nigeria’s maritime industry over the years. While you reflect on the good times and noteworthy accomplishments, it is also important that you appreciate your good legacies and ensure that they are sustained by your mentees and followers.”
Comptroller Nnadi, however, emphasised that the Tin Can Island Command of the Nigeria Customs expects the NAGAFF founder to rally the leaders and members of the association in lending a hand of support as the command seeks to generate over 48 per cent of its over N801billion annual revenue target for the 2023 fiscal year in the next three months.
“I am using this opportunity to beckon on you as the cerebral NAGAFF founder and a dynamic leader, to inspire your executives and members towards playing a strategic role in discouraging smuggling and ensuring a boost in revenue generation of Customs, and by extension revenue boost for the nation. This is what Nigeria needs at such a time as this”, he pleaded.
According to Comptroller Nnadi, there are not many personalities as influential as Dr. Boniface Aniebonam in the nation’s maritime space, yet the NAGAFF founder remains so humble, accessible and generous.
Comptroller Nnadi, the Customs anti-smuggling Czar, however thanked the veteran freight forwarder for gracing his recent handover ceremony when he took over the reins of leadership as the 20th Area Controller of Tin Can Island Port Command on Thursday.
In addition to his roles in the maritime and shipping industry, Dr. Aniebonam is a passionate national political party leader, having founded the NNPP, about 21 years ago. He is also an in-depth scholar, a community leader, a devout Christian, an empowerment giant, a sports fan and Patron of NAGAFF Football Club.
As a lover of truth, Aniebonam is also a supporter of free expression and greatly appreciates the role of the media in informing, educating, and entertaining. He is the patron of many media associations including but not limited to the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria MARAN, the Financial Correspondents of Nigeria FICAN, and the Crime Reporters Association of Nigeria CRAN.
