ANLCA’s National Thanksgiving: A Celebration of Unity, Peace, and Gratitude 

By Bon Peters

The Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) recently held a grand National Thanksgiving event to commemorate the restoration of peace, unity, and progress within the association. The occasion, marked by a church service at Christ Church and a reception at the Golden Tulip Hotel, Stadium Road, Port Harcourt, was a significant milestone in ANLCA’s 70-year history.

The event brought together a host of dignitaries, members, and well-wishers, all united by a shared sense of gratitude to God for guiding the association through its darkest times. The day was not only a celebration of ANLCA’s achievements but also a testament to the resilience and commitment of its leadership and members.

The thanksgiving service at Christ Church set a deeply 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 can stand. Drawing from the biblical concept of “Ebenezer,” meaning “stone of help,” the Reverend reminded the congregation that God’s grace and guidance were pivotal in ANLCA’s journey from crisis to restoration.

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.

However, after the church service, attendees gathered at the Golden Tulip Hotel for a vibrant reception. The atmosphere was electric, with the hall beautifully adorned to reflect the spirit of thanksgiving and renewal.

The National President of ANLCA, Mr. Emenike K. Nwokeoji, delivered a heartfelt speech, recounting 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. Mr. Nwokeoji expressed profound gratitude to the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN), the Comptroller General of Customs, and the Customs Consultative Committee (CCC), whose support played critical roles in resolving the crisis. He also called on ANLCA members to uphold the association’s core values and never again allow personal interests to overshadow collective goals. 

On his part, the Chairman of the Organizing Committee and the incumbent Chairman ANLCA Onne Seaport Chapter, Mr. Mike Ebeatu, also took to the stage, praising the resilience and determination of ANLCA’s leadership and members. He acknowledged the hard work of the Thanksgiving Committee, which had organized the event within a short period, ensuring its success.

More so,  the ANLCA  Eastern Zonal Coordinator Mr. Joshua Ahuama and the Zonal Secretary, Dr Mrs Chinyere Okere have earlier welcomed the dignitaries to the National Thanksgiving in a statement jointly signed by the duo and made available to our correspondent. 

They said “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 also extended their warmest greetings to the National Executive Committee (NECOM) and the Board of Trustees, under the leadership of Alhaji Taiwo Mustapha, Sir Chief Ernest Elochukwu, Kingsley Offor among others, and the ANLCA patrons.  Insisting that” Your presence today underscores the solidarity and shared commitment that drives ANLCA forward.”

The reception was a vibrant affair, with ample food, drinks, and entertainment. Guests were treated to a variety of continental and local cuisines, alongside brilliant musical performances and rib-cracking comedy that kept the audience thoroughly entertained.

Dignitaries include representatives of some government agencies, and stakeholders in the maritime sector, who graced the occasion, underscoring the event’s significance. 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.

As Mr. Nwokeoji aptly puts  it, “Never shall we again allow our dear Association to be hijacked for personal aggrandizement and ego-tripping.” His call for “politics without bitterness” resonated deeply with the audience, reinforcing the importance of unity and collective purpose.