NAGAFF reaches out to less privileged hospital patients

Segun Oladipupo |

The National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) is set to offset the hospital bills of some patients who are held down due to inability to pay up their bills.

This is part of the activities slated by the group to mark its 20th anniversary.

At a press parley on Thursday, chairman of the NAGAFF 20th anniversary planning committee, Tochukwu Ezisi said that the gesture had become necessary because such people cannot be left to their plight.

Ezisi added that NAGAFF was known for assisting the less privileged people in the society but admitted that this year’s is unique because of the 20th anniversary.

Asked how many persons’ hospital bills have been earmarked for payment and how much is involved, he declined to mention any amount.

The anniversary celebration which spans over five days, kicks off on Friday, 28th November, 2019, will witness Muslim prayers in the mosque at MMIA with thanksgiving service at our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, Aguda, Surulere on Sunday.

Ezisi who is also a member if the CRFFN board, said the purpose of their visit to General Hospital, Apapa, is to assist those finding it difficult to pay their bills and the criteria to knowing the bills they will settle is to look into patient cases and their bills and then they will decide on the ones they can settle.

A member of the planning committee, Mr. Eugene Nweke, said as part of the activities lined up, the NAGAFF Academy will be matriculating about 25 students on Saturday.

The Grand finale of the ceremony will showcase NAGAFF’s sense of propriety and hospitality promises to be a parade of pleasant of serious academy exercise and fun.

A renown scholar, professor Iyiola Oni, who is currently the chairman, Institute Maritime Studies, University of Lagos, will give the anniversary lecture with the theme “THE SINGLE WINDOW EVOLUTION UNDER THE AFRICAN CONTINENTAL FREE TRADE AFRICAN REGIME”

The governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu is expected as the special guest of honour, while the Honourable Minister of Transportation, Mr. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi will deliver the keynote address.

He added that the Executive Secretary and the CEO of the Nigeria Shippers’ Council, Barrister Hassan Bello will be the chairman of the occasion.

The event will also afford NAGAFF to appreciate individuals who have contributed to the growth of the industry through award of excellence to some deserving operators.