By Oluyinka Onigbinde
The National President of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), High Chief Tochukwu Ezisi, has received the Golden Era Pillar of Logistics Excellence, Purposeful Entrepreneur, Philanthropy and National Development Award from the Radio, Television, Theatre and Art Workers’ Union (RATTAWU) in recognition of his contributions to logistics, entrepreneurship, humanitarian service and national development.
Ezisi received the prestigious honour on Monday at the Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, during the RATTAWU Safe Democracy Summit and Golden Honours. The event, themed “Electoral Integrity in an AI Era: Role of Responsible Media and Culture in Safeguarding Democracy,” attracted top government officials, media practitioners, labour leaders, academics, traditional rulers, freight forwarding stakeholders and business executives from across the country.
Among the dignitaries at the event were representatives of the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, and the Minister of Labour and Employment. Also present were the National President of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Dr. Ike Neliaku, who chaired the occasion; the President of the Association of Communication Scholars and Professionals of Nigeria (ACSPN), Prof. Rotimi Williams Olatunji, who delivered the keynote address; representatives of the Lagos State Commissioner of Police; the Founder of NAGAFF, Dr. Boniface Aniebonam; traditional rulers, freight forwarders and business leaders.
Presenting the award, RATTAWU National President, Prince Emeka Kalu, described Ezisi as an accomplished entrepreneur, philanthropist and community leader whose outstanding contributions to logistics and national development have touched countless lives.
According to Kalu, the union found the NAGAFF President worthy of the recognition because of his unwavering commitment to humanitarian causes, youth empowerment, entrepreneurship and community development.
He noted that society must continue to recognise and celebrate individuals who distinguish themselves through hard work, integrity and selfless service, while reaffirming RATTAWU’s commitment to protecting the rights of workers, giving voice to the oppressed and supporting vulnerable members of society.
Representing the Minister of Information and National Orientation, the Director of Public Relations and Protocol in the ministry, Dr. Suleiman Haruna, described Ezisi as a man whose humanitarian efforts have earned him widespread admiration and respect.
Haruna said enquiries about the NAGAFF President’s background revealed an individual whose generosity and compassion have positively impacted many lives, likening him to “a mighty river that irrigates lands and people.”
Other speakers, including the Chairman of the NAGAFF Board of Trustees, Mr. Chidiebere Enelamah, and the association’s National Vice President, Princess Chi Ezeh, also paid glowing tributes to Ezisi, describing him as a visionary and compassionate leader whose recognition was well deserved.
Enelamah commended Ezisi’s wife for her unwavering support over the years, describing her as a strong pillar behind the NAGAFF President’s success.
Representatives of the Imperial Philanthropic Family also praised Ezisi for his longstanding commitment to charitable causes and humanitarian interventions across Nigeria, saying the honour reflected his enduring dedication to service and nation-building.
They encouraged him to remain steadfast in his philanthropic activities, noting that his generosity has transformed many lives and inspired others to embrace selfless service.
Responding, an emotional Ezisi expressed profound gratitude to God, his family, friends and supporters for standing by him throughout his journey.
He also acknowledged the Founder of NAGAFF, Dr. Boniface Aniebonam, for giving him the opportunity to serve and contribute to the growth of the freight forwarding profession.
While thanking RATTAWU for the recognition, Ezisi pledged his continued support for the union and assured its leadership of his readiness to partner in initiatives that promote national development, democracy and social justice.
Describing the award as one of the most memorable moments of his life, the NAGAFF President thanked all guests for honouring the invitation and reaffirmed his commitment to humanitarian service, leadership and the advancement of the logistics and freight forwarding industry in Nigeria.
