Apapa GRA was brought to a delightful standstill on Tuesday, August 5, as management, staff, and maritime stakeholders gathered for a grand celebration in honour of the outgoing Director of the Strategic Planning and Research Department (SPRD) at the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Mr. Olarotimi Babatunde Anifowoshe, widely and fondly known as OBA.
Mr. Anifowoshe is officially set to retire on August 9, 2026. However, following formal approval from the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer,Dr. Akutah Pius Ukeyima, MON, FCILT. Mr. Anifowoshe requested to hand over on Monday 24 August (when he’ll be 34 Years in the Council) instead of his actual due date August 9th, OBA’s retirement mark the climax of 34 years of meritorious service to the nation’s port economic regulator, Nigerian Shippers’ Council.
Sooth News can authoritatively report that securing a parking space on Degema Close, Apapa GRA, became a complete mirage. The entire neighborhood was flooded by a mammoth crowd of distinguished family members, Shippers’ Council management, staff, maritime industry heavyweights, and well-wishers
They all converged to celebrate a man many openly described as a true mentor, with several colleagues shedding tears of joy. The venue was filled to capacity, buzzing with an abundance of diverse culinary delicacies, premium drinks, and vibrant music that echoed through the air.
Representing the management team, the Director of the Human Resources Management Department, Mr. Moses Feke Abere, expressed deep appreciation on behalf of the Council’s leadership and staff. He praised OBA’s invaluable institutional contributions to the growth of the Council and wished him boundless success in the next chapter of his life.
Sooth News caught up with the celebrant and his beautiful wife, Mrs. Anifowoshe, both looking exceptionally glamorous. Director OBA stole the spotlight in an eye-catching, exquisitely embroidered traditional Agbada, complemented by elegant neck beads and a perfectly styled cap. The couple was proudly flanked by their children, who shared in the joyous family milestone.
Goodwill messages and high-level speeches flowed from other top executives, including the Director of General Services, Mr. Daniel Orume, and several close colleagues. The Director of Legal Services, Mr. Emeka Okereke, was also sighted among the prominent dignitaries paying their respects at the high-profile gathering.
Earlier in the event, the current Director of SPRD, Mr. Isa Audu, acting on behalf of the department’s staff, presented a beautifully curated, striking farewell gift to the outgoing director.
Colleagues from various departments, divisions, and units took turns to pour out their hearts. They affectionately described Director Anifowoshe as a “true mentor,” a fierce advocate for staff welfare, a unionist, , a passionate leader of the Council’s football team, and an unmatched “Strategic Planning and Research Guru.”
OBA’s remarkable 34-year journey at the Council began in the Public Relations Unit, where he was remembered for making an immediate, lasting impact on the team. He was later deployed to head the Industrial Relations and Welfare Unit (IRWS), where he championed worker wellbeing, before ultimately rounding off his stellar public service career as the Director of Strategic Planning, Research, and Statistics.
In his emotional response, the celebrant expressed immense gratitude to the management, his colleagues, and the distinguished guests for turning out in such large numbers. OBA specifically thanked the staff of his department for organizing such a magnificent send-off and for the thoughtful gifts.
The high-octane retirement party reached its peak with the symbolic cutting of the retirement cake, more gift presentations, and a lively session on the dance floor.
Meanwhile, the celebrations are far from over. A private, exclusive retirement reception organized by OBA and his family is scheduled to take place on Sunday, 9 August 2026.
The grand event will hold at Tutu’s Event Center, located opposite Ventura Mall, Samonda Zango, along the University of Ibadan Road, Ibadan, Oyo State.
