Comptroller Ahmadu Shuaibu departs the Ogun 1 Customs Area Command, Idiroko, Ogun State as Customs Area Controller (CAC) in an emotion laden farewell and handover ceremony, while his successor, Comptroller James Folorunsho Ojo takes over as the new CAC
By Innocent Chukwu
Most people in the hall were, virtually, moved to tears. They were full of sorrow and regrets that their friend, confidant, promise keeper, benefactor and large-hearted Nigerian, for that is what he represents in the hearts of many, was leaving Ogun State for the far North to take up another assignment as his job demands. At the climax of the event, applause and emotion laden eulogies mixed up to give the audience some consolation and relief.
The event was the handing over and taking over ceremony held at Idiroko, Ogun State, in the office of the Ogun 1 Customs Area Command. The event held on Tuesday, April 16, 2023 when the outgoing Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Ahmadu Shuaibu handed over to his successor, Comptroller James Folorunsho Ojo. Comptroller Shuaibu came to the Command last year as its CAC, and was redeployed to the Service’s Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone B, Kaduna early April.
However, the exit of the prestigious Comptroller Shuaibu from the Command appeared to been a big blow to the border communities being policed against smuggling by the Ogun 1 Customs Area Command. Many said they felt sorrowful that the only CAC who could dissuade the youths of the communities from engaging in smuggling, using diplomatic approach, Shuaibu, was departing their territory.
According to some of the youths who spoke, other CACs before Shuaibu had deployed excessive force in combating smuggling activities in the border communities without getting to understand the motivation behind the urge to smuggle, which they said was idleness. Instead of taking the footsteps of his predecessors, the youths stated, Shuaibu deployed other diplomatic methods that remained mutually beneficial.
Hence, according to them, the youths of the communities were enthusiastic about joining the Command under Comptroller Shuaibu to ensure huge success in anti- smuggling operations devoid of casualties that characterized the Command’s Operations hitherto.
The youths described Comptroller Shuaibu as an astute administrator, dependable friend, philosophical yet humble, gentle, a mentor, humorous and honourable, one whom they said bears no grudge. The youths also implored the incoming CAC to learn from his immediate predecessor in order to have their full support in the Command’s war against smuggling.
On his part, Comptroller Shuaibu prided himself in zero casualty operations throughout his tenure, effective dialogue with various youth groups which resulted in huge support of the youths to the Command, as well as soliciting the support of the traditional rulers of the border communities.
During his handover speech, Comptroller Shuaibu said, “May I convey my sincere gratitude to Almighty Allah for the grace of this moment, and to the CGC for the opportunity accorded me to serve as Area Controller of Ogun 1 Command. I equally thank him and his management team for other assigned responsibilities.
“I am delighted to report that we experienced a substantial increase in revenue generation, witnessed enhanced anti -smuggling exploits with minimum to zero casualties, and added value to the overall development of the Command”.
Comptroller Shuaibu also pleaded with all the critical stakeholders of the Command and its supporting allies to extend the same support he enjoyed to his successor, Comptroller Ojo.
While speaking at the event, Comptroller Ojo prayed for his predecessor for higher callings in the future, assuring that he would build on the successes of his predecessor. He also solicited for the support of the citizens for the Federal Government, insisting that there is a new hope agenda for the country, and that things have begun to take new shape under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Speaking further, Comptroller Ojo said, “Let me use this opportunity to solicit the unflinching support and cooperation of members of the management team and the entire officers and men of Ogun 1 Command, and our esteemed stakeholders across the border. According to the wise saying, “A tree cannot make a forest “. Comptroller Ojo also thanked the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Wale Adeniyi, for his new posting.
