Desmond Alufohai

His family hails from Owan West Local Government Area, Edo State, Nigeria. His late father, Mr. G.P. Alufohai was born in Evbiobe (Sabongida-Ora). His mother, Mrs. Anna A. Ode (nee Eboweme) hails from Uhonmora. His paternal grandmother, Late Mrs. Rebecca U. Alufohai, hails from Oke-Ora (from the Obadan family).

 

Mr. Alufohai’s spent most of his early childhood years in Edo State. His late father was an educator and school principal. As a result of being transferred to various schools, young Alufohai lived in several places including Sabongida-Ora, Ozalla Ora, Oke-Ora, Benin City, Warri, and Igueben.

 

Mr. Alufohai completed his high school education from Hussey College, Warri, Delta, State, Nigeria in 1978. He proceeded to Edo College, Benin-City for his Advanced “A” Level studies. Thereafter, he was admitted to the University of Benin where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in 1984. Upon completion of his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in 1985, he emigrated to the United States to continue his education.

 

Mr. Alufohai lived in Massachusetts from 1985 to 1991. He has been residing in Miami, Florida since 1991. Prior to relocating to Miami, he was involved in the formative years of Ora-Ekpen Association, in the late 1990’s, under the leadership of the “founding father” Chief Professor O.J.B Aisuku.

 

Mr. Alufohai is the Director of Protocol and International Affairs Division, Miami-Dade Aviation Department. The Office of Protocol and International Affairs Division was created in 1988 to facilitate the movement of diplomats, dignitaries, elected officials, and VIPs through Miami International Airport (MIA) and to support the airport’s international programs and initiatives. MI A was the first airport in the U.S., and one of the few major airports in the world, to offer a full array of protocol services, including a diplomatic lounge. Mr. Alufohai leads the largest protocol office of any airport in the United States.

 

Prior to joining Miami-Dade Aviation Department, Mr. Alufohai served as Senior International Trade Coordinator and head of the International Trade Programs for Miami-Dade County’s Economic Development and International Trade Agency from 2003 until joining the Aviation family in 2019. He previously served as Executive Director and head of membership services & training department for Junior Chamber International (JCI) as well as JCI’s Director for Growth & Development for Africa and the Middle East from 1991 - 2002.

 

Mr. Alufohai has worked as a leader in the international community for more than 30 years. He continues to travel extensively throughout the world, conducting trade missions, workshops, organizational fieldwork, and essential professional development training. He has visited more than 90 countries and made notable contributions during his tenure at JCI as the liaison to the following organizations: United Nations Agencies (UNICEF & UNESCO); World Health Organization [WHO]; and the African Union (AU). He was a delegate to the International Model United Nations (IMUN) in New York (1991). 

 

Mr. Alufohai obtained a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree from the University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria, and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from Anna Maria University in Paxton, Massachusetts, USA.