Comptroller Shu’aib right and the new Comptroller Ojo left.
Story by Dili Utomi.
The atmosphere at the Headquarters of Nigeria Customs Service, Ogun 1 Area Command yesterday, 16 April 2024 was fascinating. It was commendation and reception galore as Comptroller Ahmadu Bello Shu’aibu handed over the affairs of Ogun 1 Command to the new Area Controller, Comptroller James Folorunsho Ojo. This was prompted with the recent redeployment of Area Controllers and Heads of Units by the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi MFR dsm fnipr fniia psc(+).
At the ceremony, Comptroller Shu’aibu expressed his profound gratitude to God Almighty for his successful tour of duty in Ogun 1 Command. He also conveyed his sincere appreciation to the CGC and his management team for the opportunity accorded him to serve in the Command as the Area Controller, and equally assigned him other responsibilities. He pledged to keep upholding the sanctity of the CGC’s policy thrust – Consolidation, Innovation and Collaboration. In a similar vein, he thanked and appreciated the entire Officers and Men, and Command’s stakeholders for their patience, support and cooperation extended to him while in office.
Comptroller Shu’aib right handing over to Comptroller Ojo left.
Speaking further, the Comptroller recounted his achievements to include improved revenue generation, enhanced anti-smuggling exploit, unhindered trade facilitation, robust synergy with stakeholders and impressive Corporate Social Responsibilities, among others. He emphasised that Ogun State which was known to be a war zone for Customs operations is now a peaceful zone. He added that his administration recorded minimum to zero casualty during its operations in the State. While welcoming the new leader, he congratulated him on his well-deserved appointment. He beseeches the Command’s management team, entire officers and men, and the critical stakeholders including the traditional rulers and youths to accord the new administration the required support and cooperation in order to succeed.
The ceremony going on then.
The new Area Controller, Comptroller James Ojo, while addressing the gathering at the Command’s conference room, gave thanks to God Almighty for the privilege of his present position and appreciated the CGC for the opportunity of his deployment. He congratulated his predecessor on his successful tour of duty and laudable achievements recorded. He assured him of consolidation and significant improvement on the performance tempo of the Command, in line with the policy thrust of the CGC. He recognised the presence of the traditional rulers, heads of security agencies within and outside the country, other critical stakeholders and gentlemen of the press at the event. He sought for their support and cooperation beyond what was extended to his predecessor.
Addressing further, he stated thus, “As we witness this transition today, let us reaffirm our collective commitment to the ideas and objectives that define our Command. Let us pledge to work hand in hand, fostering teamwork, communication, and collaboration at every turn. Together, we will overcome challenges, seize opportunities, and continue to uphold the standards of excellence for which the Ogun 1 Area Command is renowned”.
A group photograph after the hand over.
Speaking at the occasion, the Opo of Idosemo, Oba James Ajibola Ajani and Onitaege of Itaege, Oba Ademola Mathew Abisoye congratulated the former Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Ahmadu Shuaibu on his successful tenure in office. They commended his administrative style, describing it as all-encompassing and peaceful, and wish him success in his new assignments. While welcoming the new CAC, they congratulated him on his appointment and enjoined him to tour the successful path of his predecessor to succeed.
Similarly, Mr Taiwo Obanla, who delivered goodwill message on behalf of the Ipokia Youth Forum, congratulated the former CAC for the great achievements recorded while in office. He commended him for ensuring that peaceful atmosphere reigns supreme in their communities, during his administration, and wish him all the best in his new posting. He congratulated the new CAC and assured him of their unwavering support and cooperation in Ipokia Local Government Area of Ogun State.
Other people that delivered goodwill messages at the event are Brigadier General AO Oladimeji, Commander Army Mapping, Dr Bonny A Botoku, Secretary General Inter-Border Security Forum, Mr Timothy Okorocha, President League of Maritime Editors, Heads of Police and Customs from Republic of Benin, and Alhaji Taju who represented the freight forwarders. He laid emphasis on reviving the economic activities at the Idiroko border. The Deputy Comptroller in charge of the administration of the Command, DC Charles Ogunesan after delivering his goodwill message on behalf of the management team, gave the vote of thanks on behalf of the Command.
Until his deployment to Ogun 1 Area Command, Comptroller James Ojo has served in different Area Commands in various capacities including PH 2 Command, Onne, Cross Rivers Command, Valuation Unit – FOU A, Lilypond Area Command, Niger/Kwara Command, Tincan Island Port Command, and SEME Area Command. He hails from Ondo State and he has attended many courses in his career path. He is happily married to Princess Adenike Folu Ojo and are blessed with wonderful children. His predecessor, Comptroller Ahmadu Shuaibu has been redeployed to Federal Operations Unit, Zone B as the new Unit Comptroller.
For advert placements and more information, please call us on 08027590195, 08035721540 or email us on [email protected] or send us messages on x @dn_utomi or on instagram @utomidili.
