“The CRFFN election was free and fair. There was nothing like rigging”
Princess Chi Ezeh; a member of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) came to limelight when she won elections into the governing council of CRFFN a couple of years ago. She repeated the same feat in the just-concluded elections. In this interview with Oluyinka Onigbinde and Adewale Buraimoh, she speaks about her experience in a male-dominated profession and the governing council.
Freight Forwarding has always been regarded as a male-dominated business. Can you tell us how you found yourself in this industry?
I found myself in the freight forwarding industry by God’s providence. Freight forwarding business has been what I have been dreaming of. Although before I got into freight forwarding, I had other things I was doing. But if you are doing anything in life and you put God first, He will direct you on the right path. I believe God directed me to be in freight forwarding because I believe no business is particularly meant for men or women. So I see any business as a venture anybody can get him or herself involved in and succeed, inasmuch as you believe in yourself and you know what you can do.
What’s your reaction to the recently-concluded CRFFN elections?
The CRFFN elections that were just concluded was well planned and executed. I can say that the election was free and fair. There was nothing like rigging. Once you work hard, your hard work must surely speak for you. I believed that I personally worked hard in the last elections and my hard work paid for me.
Is that why you had the highest number of votes?
Yes, I was chairperson of the registration committee at the previous election and I really put in my effort in registering people all over Nigeria; creating awareness, moving together with them, letting them understand what freight forwarding is all about. I created that relationship and I backed it up with prayer and other things. That is why we can see the outcome of it. It didn’t just come down from heaven. I worked hard, backed it up with prayers and I think that is what actually placed me in the position that I am today.
You were the only female council member in the last Governing Council. What was the experience like?
It was a great thing mingling with men, because I believe that we are all one. God created us to be one. I worked hard, we really worked and shared ideas together and I blended with them. There was no problem.
Was there any time in the last governing council that you wished you had more female members in the Council, perhaps there were discriminations?
To me, I wished I would see more women in the Council. Although, it is not as easy as I am saying it. This is because if you look at your left hand side you will see a man. The same thing applies when you look at your right. But I wish more women should join me to push the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding Forward.
You are coming in again as the only Amazon in the Council. What are you bringing to the table to make a difference this time around?
For now, I can’t really say much because we have just been elected and the inauguration has not been done. For me to win the election, it means I have some strategies which I will keep close to my chest and I will use them when we are being inaugurated. If any problem appears, my strategies will appear and the problems will disappear.
We learnt that NAGAFF is pushing for the Chairmanship of the Council. You are the only female council member and perhaps it is high time we had a female Council chairman. Do you think this is an opportunity to be the first female governing council Chairman of the CRFFN?
Well, I will humbly say if God permits me to be the Chairman of the Council, then why not? If it is another person, why not? But I strongly believe that personally, I am qualified. I have everything it takes to be the chairman. But if it is the will of God I will and if it is not, so be it.
Watch Our Youtube: Shipping Position Interaction with Princess Chi Ezeh
NAGAFF presently has eight members in the Council while ANLCA has only five. How will you describe the working relationship between these two sister associations in the last governing Council and how do you intend to work with these sister associations in this new tenure?
We have been working closely. We have been cooperating with each other. I don’t think this present CRFFN Council will put us asunder. We will continue to do what we know how to do best. We are hands- -in-glove and we understand ourselves.
What advice do you have for the women who still sees the maritime industry particularly the freight forwarding industry as a male-dominated business?
My advice is that they should come out from their hiding places. There is no big deal here. It is just like every other business. If they come out and join, the business is very lucrative; if they know what they are doing. They should come and join and then pick up the race.
Freight forwarders in recent times have protested over some of the government policies from VREG to VIN valuation and all of that. What is your take regarding some of these issues?
VIN valuation policy is not a bad policy. The only challenge is the way it was being structured. Of course, we all know that a brand new vehicle and a fairly-used one are not of the same range. So, the Nigeria Customs Service should go back to the drawing board which I think they have started. To make and put it in a perfect position where it is supposed to be. It has been taken care of somehow by the Nigeria Customs Service. It is not a bad policy.
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