Ogun 1 Customs Changes Leadership,As Shuaibu Hands Over To Ojo In Grand Style
Ogun 1 Customs Changes Leadership,As Shuaibu Hands Over To Ojo In Grand Style
R-L Comptroller.Ahmadu Shuaibu handing over Ogun1 to Comptroller John Folorunsho Ojo,while Opo of Idesemo,Oba James Ajibola Ajani looks on
By Frank Odinukaeze
Ogun 1 Customs Command Idiroko,on Tuesday, witnessed an unprecedented crowd as people from all walks of life turned out in their thousand to bid farewell to people’s delight,Comptroller Ahmadu Shuaibu,whose eventful seven Months in the saddle as Area Controller ,Ogun 1 came to a glorious end as he hands over mantle of leadership to Comptroller John Folorunsho Ojo.
It was an emotion filled ceremony as his admires and colleagues spoke glowingly about the lofty achievements of the outgoing comptroller
The amiable Comptroller who assumed office in Ogun 1 Command on September 18, 2023, moves to the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘B’, Kaduna, in what is regarded by many as a major shake-up announced recently by the Comptroller-General of Customs, CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.
Comptroller Shuaibu
Comptroller Shuaibu,an unrepentant anti-smuggling czar, despite his short stay at IDIROKO,which before now was noted for being a violence-prone area, dramatically became a very peaceful command culminating to zero casualty ,despite his commanding achievements at the once dreaded border command.
Opo of Idosemo Oba James Ajibola Ajani
In his valedictory speech,laden with emotions ,Comptroller Shuaibu noted that the command “experienced a substantial increase in revenue generation ,experienced anti- smuggling exploits with minimum to zero casualties,and added value to the overall development of the command.” he said ,adding that ,” In addition,the Command also engaged in laudable Corporate Social Responsibilities (CSR). These achievements would not have been possible without the unwavering support of the NCS Headquarters, the dedicated efforts of our brave Officers and Men, and the collaborative efforts of our critical stakeholders. I urge our officers to intensify their efforts and extend maximum support and cooperation to the incoming administration to sustain the Command’s performance tempo.” Shuaibu admonished.
Comptroller Shuaibu while recounting his huge successes at Idiroko command ,noted that he could not have achieved much without the patriotism of officers and men,as well as the symbiotic synergy between the command and sister agencies, including the cooperation of traditional rulers,and youths in the area.
Speaking also at the occasion,the Opo of Idosemo,Oba James Ajibola Ajani,noted that the out going comptroller was a great leader who was always there for the communities ,and whose tenure brought peace and development to the communities around the area.
He wished the out- going CAC well in his new posting.
Brigadier General A.O oladimeji
Oba Ajani also appealed to the new CAC, Comptroller John Folorunsho Ojo,to emulate the antecedents of the out going comptroller,and assured that his community would extend the same cooperation and cordiality they gave to the out- going comptroller.
The Command’s Public Relations officer CSC Hammed Bukoye Oloyede, who noted that his former boss ,whom he repeatedly referred to as ‘a Father” preferred to be addressed as leader and not “Boss” stated that, on the night of his assumption of duty on September 18, 2023, “the command recorded a spectacular seizure of vehicles loaded with smuggled bags of foreign parboiled rice and a large quantity of Cannabis Sativa.
Leader ,Security delegation from Benin Republic to the handing over ceremony of Comptroller Ahmadu Shuaibu
“This was achieved through credible intelligence; a milestone success that highly impressed and drew the attention of the Comptroller-General of Customs, CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, to come down to Ogun State, to conduct a press briefing and showcase the seizures”, Oloyede stated.
Going further, Oloyede said, “Also, within a short time, the Comptroller reduced the checkpoints from about 32 to five along the Idiroko/Owode border; wages war against ‘camp boys’ illegally operating on the road”.
A stakeholder speaking at the occasion,while the command Public Relations officer,CSC Bukoye Oloyede looks on
He said that the power generating set, provided by the Nigeria Customs Service headquarters, was installed for the use of officers and men, as well as critical stakeholders, and was regularly maintained.
Other notable achievements of Comptroller Shuaibu, according to the the CPRO, were the restoration of power to the barracks and rehabilitation of the transformer serving the junior staff barracks; construction of trailer parks and examination bays; provision of light refreshment of tea and biscuits to officers and men of the command; upgrading the status of the Customs Medical Center by equipping it with medications and other necessities, as well as subsidizing for officers at the Mess.
PRO ,Youth Group , Ipokia LG speaking during the occasion
Similarly, he provided uniforms and educational materials to indigent children and
ensured a robust partnership with sister security agencies
Despite his exploits and successes recorded during his short stint at Idiroko ,Shuaibu,,remained humble and unassuming even as he stated that he would not have achieved much without the unwavering support of the NCS headquarters, dedication of officers and men, and the collaborative of critical stakeholders, imploring officers and men to intensify their efforts, and extend their maximum support and cooperation to the new helmsman, so as to sustain the command’s performance.
Turning to his successor, whom he expressed much confidence on,Shuaibu said “Your appointment speaks volume of your capabilities, and we have confidence that you will lead with humility and excellence. Please be assured that you have the support of your colleagues”.
A cross section of officers present at the handing over ceremony
On his part, Comptroller Ojo, praised Shuaibu, saying, “My predecessor has done a lot here; yet I know that all these are going to be like child’s play compared to the results he will accomplish at FOU Zone ‘B’, Kaduna, a more volatile terrain, with more than 10 states under his control.
“We call him ‘small man with big engine’. That is why the CGC is deploying the ‘small man with big engine’ to tackle that side of the country”, Comptroller Ojo said, adding that, “I am not a pastor, but I’m predicting that from Kaduna, you will be elevated to ACG rank, because your hard work will definitely speak for you”, Comptroller Ojo prophecied.
He however promised that he would not lower the standard Comptroller Shuaibu has laid down,and therefore appealed to the officers and men of the command to accord him the same cooperation they gave his predecessor,so that together they could achieve the mandate of the command.
He assured that he will run an open government,and that his doors are open to all.
Comptroller Shuaibu being presented with a painting done by a participant on one of his numerous empowerment programmes in the Idiroko community
The occasion ,which almost looked like a carnival was attended by people from all walks of life , including Royal Fathers, Sister Security Agencies from Nigeria and Benin Republic, licensed customs agents, community and youth leaders amongst others.
