FOU ‘C’ DECORATES 67 PROMOTED OFFICERS, URGES THEM ON INTEGRITY AND PROFESSIONALISM

By Okey Iroegbu 

"Promotion in the Service is not a routine exercise; it is a reward for hard work, loyalty, and commitment to duty. It also comes with greater responsibilities and expectations. For those being decorated today, this recognition is a call to higher performance, integrity, and leadership," these were the passionate words from Comptroller Birshir Abdullahi Balogun, the Customs Area

Controller of Federal Operations Unit FOU Zone 'C' Owerri of Nigeria Customs Service. The Customs Area Controller CAC has urged the 67 newly promoted officers

of the Unit to strictly uphold the core values of the Service comprising integrity, transparency, and professionalism. With the information reaching this media from the Unit headquarters at Owerri, Imo State, the Controller also urged the officers to see their promotion as a reward for diligence, hard work and

excellent service to the Nigeria Customs Service and the Nigerian nation as a whole. A breakdown of the 67 promoted officers shows that three officers were elevated from the rank of Assistant Comptroller to Deputy Comptroller while one officer was elevated to the rank of Assistant Comptroller from the former rank of Chief Superintendent of Customs. Four officers were elevated from the rank of Superintendent to Chief Superintendent while seven others were promoted to the rank of Superintendent from the former rank of Deputy Superintendent of Customs.  Others are 15 officers who were promoted from the rank of Assistant Superintendent of Customs 1 to Deputy Superintendent. 17 others were elevated to the rank of Assistant Superintendent of Customs 1 from Assistant

Superintendent II, while 18 officers were promoted to the rank of Assistant Superintendent of Customs II from Inspector of Customs, just as two officers were promoted from the rank of Assistant Inspector of Customs to Inspector of Customs, bringing to a total of 67 promoted officers. The Federal Operations Unit, no doubt is an interventionist unit, policing not only the Importers/Exporters and

Freight Forwarders but even the the Customs officers too. He therefore advised the officers that the Unit requires diligence and thoroughness in carrying out their duties. “The Federal Operations Unit is a critical arm of the Service and the nation expect us to continue to strengthen anti smuggling operations, revenue recovery, and trade facilitation,” Balogun said. He, as usual expressed gratitude to the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR and his management team for ensuring that hard work and merit were rewarded, while also expressing appreciation to the families and colleagues who supported the newly promoted officers. “To those who didn’t get promoted this time, I encourage you to be strong and prepare harder next time,” he concluded.

COMPTROLLER OSHOBA CHARGES NEWLY PROMOTED TO BOOST REVENUE.

By Okey IROEGBU 

Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, the new Customs Area Controller of Apapa Command, has charged newly promoted officers of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to redouble their efforts in revenue generation and enforcement of trade compliance, describing their elevation as both a recognition of past performance and a call to greater responsibility. In a

report sent to this media through the PRO of the command, SC John Tunde Ayagbalo said while addressing the officers in

Lagos, the CAC noted that the promotion exercise was anchored on excellence, innovation, and dedication to service. He stressed that the Command, being the nation’s premier port, relies heavily on the competence and integrity of its personnel to drive revenue growth, facilitate legitimate trade, and safeguard national security.1 “Your promotion is not the end of the journey but the beginning of greater expectations,” Oshoba declared. “You are expected to justify the confidence reposed in you by making measurable contributions to revenue generation, improving compliance levels, and enhancing the Command’s operational efficiency. National economic growth and

security are tied to the work you do here,” he said. He also commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, and the NCS management for sustaining a merit-driven promotion system, as he urged officers who were not promoted to remain steadfast. He assured them that diligence and consistency would earn them recognition in future exercises. Speaking on behalf of the promoted officers, Chief Superintendent of Customs Bello Abdullahi expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the NCS management, and the Comptroller-General for finding them worthy of elevation. He described the promotion as a collective achievement, attributing it to teamwork, mentorship from senior officers, and the sacrifices of their families. “This promotion is not for us alone; it is a recognition of the dedication and hard work of every officer and man in the Apapa Command,” he said. Meanwhile, critical stakeholders are still celebating the feat made by the Customs Area Controller less than 24 hours of his resumption to the command. In a stunning display of revenue generation prowess, the command under the new leadership has broken its own record with a staggering ₦20.1 billion collection in a single day. This remarkable feat was achieved on September 9, 2025, just 24 hours after Comptroller Oshoba assumed office as the new Customs Area Controller. For now, the ₦20,156,077,098.56 collection is the highest daily revenue ever recorded by any command in the Nigeria Customs Service using the Unified Customs Management System (B’Odogwu). This achievement is a testament to the command’s dedication to excellence and Comptroller Oshoba’s leadership. He attributed this success to the collective efforts of his team and stakeholders, saying, “It’s not the time to clap yet because clapping means removing your two hands from work to celebrate.” This record has not only broken the existing ₦18b achieved by the command but has also confirmed the new CAC’s resolve to meet and surpass the revenue target set for the command as stated in his maiden address. “I commend my team and stakeholders for this great milestone of ₦20.1b collection in one day just 24 hours after I resumed here. It’s not the time to clap yet because clapping means removing your two hands from work to celebrate. “Let’s leave the celebration and applause for days ahead when we shall have future achievements of surpassing targets, curbing any attempted smuggling or concealment and treating trade with productive speed without compromising our integrity. I believe in Action, which speaks louder than words “We are all part of history as our collective efforts are resonating positively on the Nigerian economy. I urge my officers to keep the great work going and for the stakeholders, they should stay on the path of compliance ” Comptroller Oshoba said. This write up will not end wihout eulogising ACG Babatunde Olomu, the immediate past Customs Area Controller of the command now elevated. It could be noted that in May

2025, when an ECOWAS delegation toured Apapa, they left with glowing reviews of the Command’s digital transformation. They returned with renewed hope that “with Olomu in charge of Apapa Command, modernisation is not a slogan; it is the backbone of trade facilitation.” ACG Olomu’s story at Apapa was not just about numbers, figures, or digits, though the numbers themselves were staggering. Under his amiable leadership, the Command collected N2.2 trillion in 2024, more than double the previous year’s figure. In the first quarter of 2025 alone, revenues surged to N694.1 billion, representing a 41.8 percent rise year-on-year. By mid-

2025, Apapa Command had raked in N1.367 trillion, proving that his reforms were not a flash in the pan but a sustained culture of excellence. His transparency and integrity motivated his staff with the reminder that “Numbers don’t just appear out of thin air. They are the product of discipline, teamwork, and the belief that Customs can do better than yesterday.” His words have, on many occasions, resonated with officers who recall his leadership style as firm but inspiring—a blend of accountability and encouragement.

FOU ‘A’ CELEBRATES PROMOTED OFFICERS WITH FUNFARE

By Okey IROEGBU 

The Customs Area Controller of the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A, Ikeja, Comptroller Mohammed Shuaibu, has charged the newly promoted officers of the unit to wear their new ranks with humility and serve with integrity. Speaking at the decoration ceremony in the Unit headquarter, Ikeja-

Lagos on Wednesday, 17 September 2025, the Customs Area Controller of the command, Comptroller Shuaibu congratulated the 186 promoted officers and described the occasion as a celebration of loyalty, dedication, and patriotism. “The promotions being celebrated here today are not just titles conferred; they are a reflection of your commitment to excellence, your patriotism, and your steadfast service to the Nigeria Customs Service and to our great nation. “Wear your new rank with humility, lead by example, and serve as mentors and role models to your colleagues. True leadership is not about titles or positions, it is about service, empathy, and dedication to a cause greater than oneself.” Comptroller Shuaibu also encouraged officers who were not promoted to remain committed to their duties, describing promotion as “a journey, not a race.” He added: “Continue to serve with commitment and integrity. Be patient and persistent. Your time will come. Promotion ultimately comes from God, and your efforts do not go unnoticed.” Providing the breakdown for FOU Zone A, Shuaibu revealed that seven officers were promoted from Assistant Comptroller to Deputy Comptroller, six from Chief Superintendent to Assistant Comptroller, 22 from Superintendent to Chief Superintendent, and 27 from Deputy Superintendent to Superintendent. Others include 23 promoted from ASC I to Deputy Superintendent, 42 from ASC II to ASC I, 48 from Inspector to ASC II, and 11 from Assistant Inspector to Inspector. He reminded the audience that promotion

should be viewed as a checkpoint rather than the final destination. “There are greater heights to attain, new challenges to confront, and more contributions to make toward the progress of our country,” he posited.

SEME CUSTOMS HONOURS PROMOTED 66 SENIOR OFFICERS ... still on the euphoria of the elevation of former CAC to ACG.

By Okey IROEGBU 

It is a season of celebration in the Nigeria Customs Service community as the promoted officers and their families are celebrating their promotions vto the next branks. It has never been so joyous in this community as it isexpressed in this vpast week. At Seme Customs Area Command, it was filled with joy on Thursday, 18 September 2025, as 66 senior officers, promoted by the Board (NCSB) during its

63rd Regular Meeting in Abuja, were decorated at the ECOWAS Complex, Joint Border Post (JBP), Seme-Krake. This coicided with he resumption of the new Customs Area Controller of the command, Comptroller Wale Adenuga. In his opening remarks, the Customs Area Controller congratulated the officers and reminded them that promotions come with both honour and responsibility. “This promotion comes with humility. It is not a license for pride but a call to greater service. Carry your junior colleagues along, celebrate with one another, and let us make Seme Area Command the pride of the Service,” he charged. According to the information reaching this media from the Public Relations Officer of the command, Isa Sulaiman, Chief Superintendent of Customs, the CAC praised the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, and his management team for their tireless efforts in ensuring a fair and transparent promotion exercise. He emphasized that the Command is committed to supporting the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, dsm, fnipr, psc, whose leadership mantra is trade facilitation. He added that Seme Command will continue stakeholder engagements to ensure the border remains the pride of the Service and the best in the West African sub-region. It could be noted that the command benefited with the promotuion of Sixty-six senior officers. In his vote of thanks and speaking on behalf of the decorated officers, CSC Oreyeni Olufemi expressed gratitude to the CGC, the CAC, senior officers, families, and colleagues. He pledged that the officers would justify the confidence reposed in them and continue to contribute to the success of the Service. Present at the event were heads of the sister security agencies at the Joint Border Post, including Nigeria Immigration Service, DSS, NDLEA, NAFDAC, Port Health Service, NAQS, EOD/Anti-Bomb Unit as well as family members and stakeholders. It was a celebration that will remain in the anals of the history of the Customs. Meanwhile it

was praise galore as the outgone Area Controller of Command and also promoted ACG Dr. Ben Oramalugo handed over to the new controller of the command, Comptroller Wale Adenuga who vows to deepen Trade Facilitation and make the Seme border a Nigeria’s pride. Reporting from observations in attendance and the press release from the Command's Public Relations Officer, "the Nigeria Customs Service, Seme Area Command, has witnessed a seamless change of leadership as Comptroller Wale Adenuga formally took over the mantle of leadership of the Command  yesterday at  the ECOWAS Joint Border Post, Seme-Krake Border Post. "The handing over ceremony brought together senior officials from sister security agencies, representatives of trade and transport stakeholders, community leaders and members of the Fourth Estate. In his inaugural address, Comptroller Wale Adenuga praised the outgoing CAC for his achievements and pledged to consolidate on them. He outlined his vision for the Command, placing trade facilitation at the heart of his leadership. "Trade facilitation is my keyword," he stated. “When stakeholders make proper declarations, their consignments will leave Customs control within the shortest possible time. The more we facilitate trade, the more revenue we generate and the less smuggling we have,” he added. Comptroller Adenuga pledged to collaborate closely with sister agencies, including the DSS, Nigeria Police,

Immigration,  NDLEA,  Nigerian Military, NAFDAC and others to reduce crime and create a conducive environment for business to thrive. He also committed to maintaining open communications with the traditional rulers, the youth of Badagry and the media and assured all that "his doors remain open and that he will lead his officers and not to abandon them." He promised to lead from the front and ensure officers remain disciplined and committed to their responsibility and not to compromise their duties. In his farewell remarks, ACG Oramalugo described the day as one of “mixed emotions” joy at God’s faithfulness and his promotion, but nostalgia for the bonds built during his time in Seme. He highlighted key achievements under his leadership, including sustained suppression of smuggling with significant seizures of prohibited goods.

Improved revenue collection and enhanced trade facilitation to ease legitimate business while safeguarding national security, as well as fostering inter-agency cooperation and community engagement, among others. The ceremony featured goodwill messages from heads of sister agencies and stakeholders, including the Comptroller of Immigration at the Joint Border Post, Comptroller of Immigration Land Border Patrol, Nigeria Shippers Council, NDLEA, FRSC, among others.

BEULAH HAVEN: GUIDED BY PURPOSE, DRIVEN BY COMPASSION

By Okey Iroegbu 

When Blessing Ese Etukumoh mounted the stage to give some words of exaltations at the inuguration of Beulah Haven International Initiative, the emotion ladden message held everybody spell bound as she narated a true life story of what she went through as a widow. There are more of such stories in the society that sincerely touch the heart. It wasd on this note that Beulah Haven International Initiative was born to restoring hope,

empowering Communities and transforming lives for many underserved in the society. "Through humanitarian interventions, educational support, skill acquisition programs, and value-based transformation initiatives, we reach out to the underprivileged and marginalized—helping them rise above limitations and embrace a future of dignity and possibility. "Our work goes beyond providing temporary relief; it is about nurturing lasting change, equipping individuals with the tools to thrive, and

empowering communities to become self-sustaining. "At Beulah Haven Int’l Initiative, we envision a society where people live with hope, pursue purpose with passion, and contribute meaningfully to the progress of their families, communities, and nations. We are raising a generation of purpose-driven individuals who not only dream of a better tomorrow but also work to build it today. "Together with our partners, volunteers, and supporters, we are committed to inspiring change, promoting inclusivity, and advancing nation-building—one life, one community at a time," said the founder. The founder

Uchechi Chidiebere Chukwuemeka UCC (Nee Ikechiuku) might not have gone through extreme difficulties growing up considering the family where she comes from. The truth about her is that she was ready to bear the pains of others. A passionate child of God, born into a family where faith, service, and integrity were foundational values. She holds a degree in Accounting from the prestigious University of Lagos and has worked for over 19 years in a reputable capital market with a progressive experience in Finance. Prior to her core finance career, she gained nine years of foundational experience in Operations, IT, and Customer Service. She is a seasoned Minister of the

gospel, no wonder she is deeply passionate about relationships and family life, with a strong calling to mentor, counsel, and coach individuals in pre-marital and marital relationships. It is therefore not a mistake for her to be moved by compassion and purpose, to initiate the idea of Beulah Haven International Initiative, a nonprofit platform dedicated to restoring hope, reconnecting people to their divine purpose, and empowering the underserved through humanitarian outreach, education, and value-driven transformation. Through this platform, she lives out her calling to uplift others, inspire transformation, and rebuild lives with love and dignity. On Sunday, August 14, 2025, Evangelist Chidi as she is fondly called in the ecclesiastical circle with her husband, another Servant of the Most High God, Staff Pastor Ifeanyi Chukwuemeka rolled the drums out to intimate the public that the awaited time has come. The unveiling of  Beulah Haven International Initiative took place at Lydia Halls and Event Centre by River Valley Estate, Ojodu Berger, Lagos.

The many speakers including Apostle Dr. Ken Osanebi, the Regional supervising Apostle of St. Joseph's Church of God International at the Lagos/Western Region prayed for the success of the initiative and availability of innovation grants which play a pivotal role in the landscape of non-profit organizations like this, providing essential funding for projects that push boundaries and foster creative solutions to pressing social issues. These grants are not merely financial resources; they represent an opportunity for Non-governmental Organisations NGOs to experiment, adapt, and implement novel ideas that can lead to significant societal change. In a world where traditional funding sources may be dwindling or overly restrictive, innovation grants offer a lifeline for organizations seeking to explore uncharted territories in their mission work. Moreover, innovation grants often come with the flexibility that allows NGOs to pivot their strategies based on real-time feedback and evolving community needs. This adaptability is crucial in today’s fast-paced environment, where social challenges can shift dramatically due to economic, political, or environmental factors. By securing innovation grants, NGOs can not only fund their initiatives but also position themselves as leaders in their fields, showcasing their commitment to continuous improvement and responsiveness to the communities they serve. It was also on this note that the Chief Launcher of the project living in far away United States of America, Deaconess Abis Ikechiuku, the wife of Staff Pastor Odum Ikechiuku, the head of Ikechiuku Dynasty set the ball rolling after her speech through her able representative Deaconess

Edith Osanebi. The excerpt of her speech are as follows; "As human beings, we are naturally dependent. As children, we depend on our parents; as adults, we depend on knowledge and networks; and as elders, we lean on the younger generation. Our responsibility, therefore, is to ensure that the next generation is equipped to step up as we pass them the torch. "Today, I call on each of us to embrace the

responsibility that life places before us. Let us recognize the power we have—not only to achieve our personal goals but also to ensure that tomorrow's leaders are well-prepared to face their challenges. "I deeply appreciate my dear sister, Mrs. Chukwuemeka, for the opportunity to be part of this amazing project. It is a noble cause that reflects God's heart for humanity, and 1 am humbled to lend my voice and presence to it. May God bless Beulah Haven Intenational Initiative, bless everyone present here today, and bless the work of our hands." Other donatins came in through Apostle Dr. Osanebi, Staff Pastor Nchekube, Blessing Etukumoh and others before

samples of sanitary pads were distributed to the girls and ladies present as one of the critical needs of the girl child who may not afford it. This according to the narratives at the event could lead them into using rags and thereby contracting

infections. The ocassion was beautifully achored by MC Smart.