By Bon Peters
PORT HARCOURT/Nigeria: Sir Joshua Ahuama, Eastern Zonal Coordinator of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), has marked his 65th birthday with the unveiling of two books aimed at contributing to professional knowledge in the maritime industry and promoting Christian values in family life.
The books, Practical Approach to Freight Forwarding and Supply Chain Management and OEM’s for Marriage: A Christian-Centred Devotional Manual, were unveiled on Sunday, October 25, 2026, at the Wisdom Hall of the Cathedral Church of St Paul’s, Rebisi, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, following a thanksgiving service at the church.
The celebration brought together church leaders, maritime industry practitioners, members of ANLCA, academics, business leaders and other well-wishers to honour Ahuama, who turned 65 on the same day.
Speaking at the thanksgiving service, the Bishop of the Diocese of the Niger Delta North, Rt. Rev. Wisdom Budu Ihunwo, DSSRS, JP, described the celebrant as a committed Christian whose life reflected dedication to God and service to humanity.
The bishop said his presence was primarily to offer prayers for Ahuama, asking God to continue to guide, sustain and preserve him and his family in good health.
He also encouraged members of the congregation to emulate the celebrant’s commitment to Christian service and integrity.
The Supervisor and Canon-in-Residence of the Cathedral Church of St Paul’s, Rev. Canon Nyebuchi Prince Wechie, similarly described Ahuama as a man of integrity who had distinguished himself through service to both the church and society.
Wechie said attaining the age of 65 was a significant milestone deserving of recognition, particularly given the celebrant’s contributions and continued commitment to service.
He noted that Ahuama’s reputation for integrity and consistency had earned him respect within the church community, adding that his position as Diocesan Treasurer reflected the confidence reposed in him.
At the book unveiling, the Chairman of the occasion and Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of Harritex Group of Companies, Chief Henry Njoku, described Ahuama as an individual whose accomplishments extended beyond personal achievements.
Njoku observed that the decision to publish two books as part of his birthday celebration demonstrated a desire to leave lasting contributions to the maritime profession and family life.
He explained that Practical Approach to Freight Forwarding and Supply Chain Management addressed the movement of goods across international markets, while the second publication provided Christian perspectives on marriage, relationships and the responsibilities of husbands and wives.
He urged participants to support the publications by purchasing the books, expressing his willingness to encourage the initiative. He also commended Ahuama for upholding integrity in his professional and personal dealings.
The National President of ANLCA, Mr. Emenike Nwokeoji, said the publications represented an important contribution to the intellectual development and professional image of the clearing and forwarding industry.
He argued that the books challenged negative perceptions about the educational and intellectual capacity of practitioners in the profession, demonstrating that members of the association could make meaningful contributions to professional literature.
Nwokeoji congratulated Ahuama on behalf of the national leadership and members of ANLCA.
Other industry leaders also praised the celebrant’s professional conduct and personal character.
The Chairman of ANLCA, Onne Seaport Chapter, Chief Ifeanyi Isikaku, described Ahuama as highly knowledgeable in clearing and forwarding operations, urging other practitioners to emulate his professionalism and approach to business.
Similarly, the Chairman of Abia Freight Forwarders, Chief Ijere Ibiam, described him as a person whose commitment to integrity had distinguished him among his colleagues.
The Eastern Zonal Secretary of ANLCA, Dr. Chinyere Okere, who identified Ahuama as her mentor, said his conduct and professional disposition provided a worthy example for others in the industry.
Born on October 25, 1961, Ahuama is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Vitalaid Nigeria Limited and currently serves as the Eastern Zonal Coordinator of ANLCA. He is also a member of the Knights of St. Christopher of the Global Anglican Communion.
His academic qualifications include a master’s degree in Transport Studies (Maritime Option), an MBA in Project Management, a bachelor’s degree in Accounting and a Diploma in Transport and Shipping. He is also pursuing a doctorate in Maritime Management Technology.
A registered freight forwarder and chartered member of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT), Ahuama has more than 25 years of experience in customs brokerage, freight forwarding and supply chain operations.
In his response, the celebrant expressed appreciation to the church leadership, professional colleagues, family members and other guests for their prayers and support.
He encouraged participants to purchase the books, explaining that the freight forwarding publication would serve as a useful reference for practitioners, while the marriage devotional was intended to offer guidance to families and couples seeking to build relationships on Christian principles.
The celebration featured the formal unveiling and launch of the two publications, alongside the cutting of the birthday cake.
Among those present were the Bishop of Uyo Diocese, Rt. Rev. Dr. Kingsley Ogbonda; President of the Cathedral Christian Men’s Fellowship, Sir Ngokanya Benjamin; members of ANLCA, academics and captains of industry.
