FOMWAN Pays Courtesy Visit to Comptroller Balogun in Imo

By Bon Peters

 

The Federation of Muslim Women’s Association in Nigeria (FOMWAN), Imo State Chapter, has paid a courtesy visit Wednesday to the Customs Controller, Federal Operations unit (FOU) Zone C, Owerri, the Imo state capital. Leading other Executive members, (FOMWAN) President, Mrs. Anifat Bola Animashaun Ameerah in her remarks has expressed delight of the Association to visit Comptroller Bishir Abdulahi Balogun insisting that the Association was delighted and honoured to be in his presence.

 

"We are delighted and honored to be in your esteemed presence today” she said.

 

Giving details about the association, she said "FOMWAN, established in 1985, serves as a civil society and an umbrella for Muslim Women Associations across Nigeria, operating in all 36 states and Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, with a presence in over 700 Local Government Areas."

 

The FOMWAN President added "Our focus areas encompass education, Da’awah, health, humanitarian and community development, good governance, youths, finance and resource mobilization, projects and capacity building.”

 

Speaking further, she noted that  the visit has accorded them the  opportunity to extend their warm welcome  officially to  Comptroller Balogun  in Imo State even as they  expressed  their appreciation to  his humility and adherence to Islamic values, which  they said  have captured their admiration and prompted FOMWAN to associate with him.

 

Her words, "sir, please permit us to inform you that FOMWAN as a national body holds Annual Conference which is rotated among states and 40th Anniversary of FOMWAN."

 

"In 2012 Imo state hosted the annual conference and it was a huge success."

 

"This year August 19th to 24th, 2025, Kaduna will host all the states and preparations have been seriously going on, Imo Chapter must participate with others" she insisted

 

She further reiterated that "As we navigate our activities in Imo State, we sincerely hope for your continuous guidance and encouragement."  "It is with great respect and admiration that we propose to adopt you as our patron, understanding the importance of your role.”

 

The association however wished Comptroller Balogun a joyous stay in Imo state praying that Allah should continue to guide him in his responsible task of overseeing the Customs Federal Operations Unit Zone C Imo State.

 

Addressing the association, the highly elated Comptroller Balogun expressed satisfaction with the visit insisting that he would not take it for granted.

 

"Am very delighted for this show of gratitude and care towards me in particular and the unit in general.

 

Speaking further, he added, "Mothers will always be Mothers “noting that "everyman no matter how highly placed must accord our mothers respect which they deserve"

 

On the synergy and collaboration between Customs FOU Zone C, and FOMWAN, he informed them that his wife being the chapter Chairperson of Customs Officers Wives Association (COWA) in FOU Zone C, Owerri, is automatically their member assuring them of his unalloyed support and encouragement to move their association forward.

 

Continuing, Comptroller, Balogun said,  "I have listened carefully to your address, and am glad to inform you that some  of the things you said  are in-line with the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR mandate on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) of the Nigeria Customs Service."

 

“FOU Zone C, Owerri, will be glad to partner with your association and accord you recognition” he assured.

Women Allegedly Caught In Compromising Position Declared Wanted

Security operatives have intensified efforts to locate Adeola Adebogun and Yetunde Biodun, who are currently wanted in connection with an alleged same-sex relationship and assault.

According to a police report, Adeola and Yetunde were allegedly found in a compromising position at Adeola’s residence, located at 2 Alhaja Sekinat Street, Fadeyi, by a concerned resident, Mr. Olumide Oni.

Prosecutors alleged that Oni was assaulted by the women after he attempted to use his mobile phone to record the incident.

The suspects are also being accused of stealing, tampering with physical evidence and destroying Oni’s phone by throwing it into a dumpster.

Oni reportedly sustained injuries during the altercation.

The women were invited for questioning at the police station in April 2025, after which formal charges were filed in court.

Although granted bail, they failed to appear for trial.

Police say efforts are ongoing to locate and apprehend them

Alema of Warri, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan Laud Ibori for Remaining Faithful to the Task of Nation Building

Former Governor of Delta State, Chief James Onanefe Ibori, has been commended for his inimitable contribution and commitment to the country’s unity and development.

 

As a governor, you gave politics in Nigeria greater vision and breadth. You pointed out that the goal of a well-performing government is about delivering public services, upholding the rule of law and ensuring the well-being of its citizens’’.

 

The commendation was contained in a statement issued by the Alema of Warri, High Chief Emmanuel Oritsejolomi Uduaghan and his dear wife, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan,

 

The statement described Ibori’s days in Delta State Government House as fruitful.

 

“You worked with a high sense of mission, delegated responsibilities to competent individuals, promoted economic growth, maintained social order, provided a stable and secured environment, managed resources adequately, made the people partakers of democracy dividends and encouraged women participation in politics.”

 

The statement titled: ‘’Celebrating Ibori’s contributions and legacy’’ applauded the ex-governor for his political acumen and humane approach to governance.

 

“You made huge strides in terms of educational institutions and infrastructure such as roads and bridges in each senatorial zone of the state. You expanded capabilities and opportunities, strengthened the civil service, trained youths in various vocations, built modern markets and sports complexes and promoted the spirit of peaceful co- existence among all the communities in the state.”

 

The Warri High Chief and the Senator representing Kogi Central hailed Ibori for remaining faithful to the task of nation building, pursuing politics of issues and ideas and securing respect for the people of the South-South geo-political zone in the national scheme of things.

 

“As a strategist, you used wisdom and experience to sort out the Warri crisis, implemented an economic blueprint for transformation and industrialization of the oil rich state, developed capabilities inherent in people and increased the options open for them.”

 

Particularly, they applauded Ibori for his robust experience in organization, planning and strategy.

 

“Your investment in security, physical development, youth and women empowerment, education, health, potable water, tourism, electricity and agriculture cannot be overemphasized. Indeed, you re-directed the faith of Delta State, provided good leadership and social amenities, introduced free qualitative education, pioneered overseas scholarship, restored bursary awards to all students of Delta State origin in tertiary institutions in Nigeria, rehabilitated hospitals and healthcare centres, employed youths and developed agriculture.”

 

The statement emphasized Ibori’s deep penetration of men, political behavior and dynamic touch of excellence.

 

“As a leader with a large following, you raised your voice higher in the clamour for true federalism, state police and ceding of the presidency to the South-South geo-political zone.”

 

It also emphasized how Ibori brought succor and sense of belonging to the Niger Delta people.

 

“On this memorable occasion, we cherish your fatherly advice, support and contribution to the good of our dear country, Nigeria. We also cherish your leadership style, generosity, humility and perspective on true federalism and power sharing.”

 

“In the period ahead, we wish you more strength, good health and wisdom in your quest to better the lot of humanity. Once again, Congratulations on your birthday” the statement added.

Credit: Henry Ovie

Customs Area 1 Controller, Compt Hashim Congratulates CGC Wale Adeniyi on Tenure Extension, says it is an honour well deserved

By Bon Peters

The tenure extension of the Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs Service (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi MFR, has been described as an honour well deserved by the Customs Area 1, Command Controller, Comptroller YM Hashim 

 

In a congratulatory  message made available to our Correspondent in Port Harcourt, the Rivers state capital this weekend by the command's Public Relations Officer Area 1 Command, Assistant Superintendent of Customs II  Barilule Aanee, which stated that the Comptroller General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR has distinguished himself among his equals with the introduction of unprecedented innovations, adding that his tripod policy thrust of  consolidation Collaboration and Innovation have positioned the Nigeria customs Service in a good stead, noting that no wonder that the CGC emerged as the council Chairman, World Customs Organization.

 

While thanking the President and Commander in-chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the extension, the Customs Area 1 boss insisted that leadership is not achieved through sycophancy but by dedication, integrity and  total commitment which he reiterated that CGC  Adeniyi has exhibited  hence his appointment was not gotten on a platter of Silver.

 

Our Correspondent reports that the issue of the tenure extension or otherwise has elicited debate among the industry players but this development has gone a long way to show that reward for good work is more work . 

 

The statement continued by saying that "the extension of tenure of the CGC shows that even God rewards dedication, discipline, hard work, resourcefulness and integrity."

 

"We at Area 1 Command, Port Harcourt are proud of the CGC's performance and very much happy to be part of this development”

 

"We pray that Allah will continue to sustain the CGC, give him more wisdom, good health to pilot the affairs of the Nigeria Customs Service with more vigour."

 

The statement posited " I call on  our gallant officers and Men of Area 1 Command, to redouble their efforts in making sure that we are on the same page with our amiable Comptroller General through our dedication to duty for effective service delivery and to ensure that revenue is generated, Trade Facilitated and Smuggling suppressed to the lowest minimum and do our work in  line with international standard  best practices."

ACG Dangladima Felicitates With CGC Wale Adeniyi on Tenure Extension

..... Urges Officers And Men to Remain Committed in the discharge of their Duties.

 

 By Bon Peters

 

 

The tenure extension of the Comptroller General of Customs, CGC, Adewale Adeniyi MFR, has elicited positive reactions as   the  Zonal Coordinator Customs Zone C,   Headquarters   Port Harcourt ACG SK Dangladima has given kudos to the development even as he advised officers and men of  Zone C,  to remain committed in discharge of their duties.

 

 

Recall that this issue has been at  the front burner fouling speculation on the next move  for the CGC who has shown leadership prowls, integrity and commitment to the upliftment  of the Nigeria customs Service Zone C.

 

But with the development, industry watchers and critical stakeholders were of the opinion that the unprecedented innovations started by CGC would be sustained.

 

 

In his remarks, the Zonal coordinator, Zone C, ACG Dangladima, stated, ” The extension of tenure of the CGC by President Bola Tinubu is a manifestation of God’s reward on discipline, hard work and resourcefulness in selfless service delivery! ”

 

ACG DANGLADIMA, added, “Unalloyed commitment to duty and Selfless service delivery pays because nothing comes on a platter of gold.” 

 

He continued, “The extension is not a surprise because the Comptroller General of Customs had made remarkable and monumental impacts and reforms in Nigeria Customs Service which has earned him Chairman of Council, World Customs Organization. 

 

 

"We at the Zone C are proud of the CGC's performance and commend the wise decision of the President and Commander in Chief, President Bola Tinubu.”

 

His words: “This extension is a call for all officers and men to redouble their efforts and zeal to achieve  the tripod policy thrust of the Comptroller General of Customs hinged on Consolidation, Collaboration and Innovation in  line with international standards and best practices.“

 

Igbo street carnival 2025: Vienna goes agog

 By Uzoma Ahamefule

 

Austria: The streets of Vienna will go agog on 2 August 2025 when Igbos stylishly and pleasantly storm the streets of Vienna in a funfair and in their amazing colourful traditional attire joyously dancing to the sounds of their conventional music with their youths displaying acrobatics. It is a day Africans, Nigerians and Igbos living in Austria should be very proud of.
 
Many Austrians who know Igbos and are familiar with their cuisine, attire, traditional dance, arts and culture and who are aware of the planned carnival are already curious and cannot wait to see their various masquerades, glance at handsome Igbo men – with hefty chest – dancing “Ohafia war dance” in the manner they traditionally wobble their breasts gorgeously in their muscular body, and at beautiful Igbo women as they wriggle their waists lovely to the tempo of bumming traditional sounds.
 
Some peculiar things that are very stunning with Igbo traditional dance are the moves of the waist, carriage of the buttocks and the movements of the hands amazingly to the rhythm of the music. It is so appealing and very nice to watch. To some people it could be a medicine that reduces tension and stress, but to all it is very pleasant to the eyes as it massages the heart and keeps the brain active.
 
While the carnival will be a fascinating way to experience diversity of culture and life for those that do not know Igbos well, it will be another memorable experience to others even to some Igbos that have not gone home for long, because there will be different entertainments with masquerades, acrobats, traditional dances, flute and art, like it would be in Igbo land, and they are not things one sees often.
 

Ndigbo are a generally open-minded species, generous and accommodating. They are very industrious and exemplary in exploring, and that is the reason they are found wherever life exists in every part of the world. They live predominantly in the eastern part of Nigeria, but are found in large numbers in so many different countries around the world, especially in Africa. Countries like Ghana, Cameroon and Gabon are examples. In Equatorial Guinea, Igbos are the third largest ethnic group, and Igbo language is one of the official recognized languages.

 

Distance has never been a barrier for Igbos to respect and practice their cultural heritage wherever they go. In respecting this ritual they inherited from their ancestors not to discriminate but to develop anywhere they find themselves and make it their home, some indigenes of their host countries sometimes misinterpret their good intentions as being culturally arrogant and imposing. But many who understand that they are no threat admire their sincere hard work and cherish them.
 
In Igbo land, kola nut is very important and highly respected. It signifies a lot, and goes through processes before breaking. Anyone who makes a mistake during the presentation gets penalized. There is no reasonable gathering without it.
 
When an Igbo man presents kola nut to a guest it means that that visitor has been welcomed, but when he does not till the person leaves, irrespective how much he has laughed, chatted, eaten and wined with the visitor, that visitor has not been welcomed. It is ancestral heritage. Thus, kola nut will be the first thing that will be officially presented during the carnival by the Chairman of the Igbo Cultural Society (ICS) Chief Anthony Egwuibe to the people. It will be followed by a libation to appease the ancestors, and only a recognized Igbo tittle holder can perform this. The keynote speaker is Mr Muyiwa Onifade, Charge d’affaires of the Nigerian Embassy and Permanent Mission of Nigeria, Vienna, Austria.
 
Chief Egwuibe, ICS Secretary Prince Ifeanyi Obi-Iwuchukwu, the Social Secretary Mazi Francis Okpata, the entire ICS executives and the planning committee members people will assemble in front of the Nigerian Embassy Vienna (Rennweg 25, 1030 Vienna) at 2pm and then move from there through Schwarzenbergplatz to Resselpark at Karlsplatz (1040) where the final merriment and entertainment will end by 6pm with vote of thanks by the ICS Vice Chairman, Engr. Vincent Nzekwe.
 
The atmosphere during the carnival will be interacting and delighting for all visitors and people of all ages, from tasty snacks, refreshing drinks to costume and music etc. The carnival is the first of its kind, and from every indication it promises to be captivating, thrilling, entertaining, colourful and family friendly.
 

Uzoma Ahamefule, a concerned patriotic citizen and a refined African traditionalist, writes from Vienna, Austria

 

ACG Dangladima charges Akwa Ibom /Calabar Customs Command on Legitimate Trade Facilitation and Revenue Generation

 ....as the Command Rakes In N24.4B In Half year 2025

 

 By Bon Peters 

  

The Zonal Coordinator Nigeria Customs Service Zone C Headquarters Port Harcourt, ACG SK Dangladima  has charged the officers and men of the Akwa Ibom/Calabar Command of the Nigeria Customs Service to always ensure  Facilitation of legitimate trade, revenue generation and suppress smuggling. .

 

ACG Dangladima gave the charge Thursday at the customs Command in Calabar ,the Cross River State capital during a two day working visit to the customs formations in Akwa Ibom  and Cross River States.

 

Speaking, the Customs Zone C, boss emphasized the importance of  his visit, even as he insisted that the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR has instructed all the ACGs never to sit  in office but to move round, feel the pulse of the officers and men , interact with critical stakeholders , find out their challenges in a view to fostering unity, collaboration and synergy among the stakeholders in all their commands.

 

His Words; "Am here today, to familiarize with you, interact with you and our stakeholders, feel your pulse and discuss your challenges with a view to solving them”

 

Continuing, he reiterated the need for synergy and collaboration among the officers and men with their stakeholders noting that as Customs officers the main responsibility is to facilitate legitimate trade, recover every revenue leakage, generate revenue to the federal government and importantly suppress Smuggling.

 

The customs bigwig who also emphasized the essence of interpersonal relationship, said officers and men should imbibe the spirit of self discipline and mutual respect for one another stressing that the image they portray before the public would go a long way in putting the Service in a good or bad light.

 

On their promotion he reinstated that the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR has zero tolerance for examination results manipulation in relation to their promotion as he has taken it upon himself to ensure transparency in the process.

 

“Management is the one that marked your scripts, none of  us, knows who owns the scripts he is marking"

 

"So when the promotion list is out, you should take it the way you see it as it is a true reflection of what you get " Dangladima admonished.

 

Continuing, he said "Let me be truthful to you, the CGC is willing to promote our officers and men but you can't be promoted at the same time."

 

According to him”promotion is from God and if you didn't get it now, yours is on the way".

 

Earlier in his welcome address, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller CG Ogbonna has expressed satisfaction with the ACG's visit insisting that the working visit was a morale booster for his officers and men and also an avenue to interact with stakeholders.

 

Showcasing his successes, he said the Command has recorded a significant achievement in Revenue generation, Exports, and Suppression of smuggling.

 

On Revenue Generation, Comptroller Ogbonna said his command has generated twenty-four billion, four hundred and thirteen million, seven hundred and seventy thousand, sixty one naira (N24, 413,770,061.00) only in the first half of 2025, representing about 53% of the 2025 target.

 

This achievement according to him "is attributed to effective synergy with critical stakeholders, improved operational strategies and optimal enforcement of the extant laws." 

 

The breakdown of the revenue generated was as follows: Tinapa Tourist and Resort FTZ: In 2023, was sixteen million, six hundred and forty thousand, fifty-nine naira (N16,640,059.00) only  collected as revenue.

 

Comptroller  Ogbonna noted that "In 2024 when I took over as the Customs Area Controller (CAC), we improved the revenue to two hundred and twenty-on million, four hundred and forty thousand, two hundred and nine naira (N221, 440,209.00) only.

 

He described such a feat as  a magnificent increase compared to revenue collected in previous years. 

 

On Exports, he said the Command carried out exports of both non-oil and oil products during the period of January to June 2025 and recorded  a volume of forty-three thousand and twenty-eight (43,028) packages & forty-two thousand (42,000) cartons of various products which have been exported out of the country from the Export Processing Zone, Calabar Free Trade Zone.

 

More so a volume of one million, eight hundred and sixteen thousand, eight hundred and fifty-six (1,816,856) cartons of various products have been exported out of the country from Tinapa Tourist & Resort FTZ.

 

Additionally, Fifty-three million, eleven thousand and twenty-one (53,011,021) barrels were lifted in fifty-four (54) vessels according to Federal Government allocation from Qua-Iboe Terminal (QIT), operated as a joint Venture between SEPLAT and NNPC/MPNU.

 

On Suppression of Smuggling, the Comptroller hinted that”in our quest to suppress smuggling, the Command has made the following remarkable interception/seizures:

 

"In March 2025, the Command at the Mfum Border Station intercepted parts of animals discovered to be endangered species which include Parrot heads (213 pcs), Parrots feathers (29 packs), African Hornbill birds (128 pcs), chimpanzee heads (2 pcs), chimpanzee legs (4

pcs), Chimpanzee hands (4 pcs), Eagle heads (5 pcs) and Eagle feathers (1 pack) alongside a suspect of which the matter is still in court."

 

"In April 2025, also "Sixty-five (65) Gallons of 25 liters each of PMS and 12 bales, 3 sacks of second-hand clothing were intercepted and seized."

 

Still in April 2025, illicit pharmaceutical products (659 units) were intercepted by the officers of the Command and was later handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on Headquarters instruction"

 

The Comptroller went further to posit that the Command also made a seizure of Pangolin scales (4 bags) weighing (119.4kg) in June 2025; with two (2) suspects undergoing prosecution process, even as he attributed the achievements through intelligence provided by the CIU and  effective border patrols by the customs gallant officers.

 

On Trade Facilitation, he noted that the Unified Customs Management System (UCMS) known as B' odogwu was launched and is now operational in the Command. He insisted that as a milestone, the Command’s first SGD was successfully captured, assessed and payment made on 17 June, 2025 under 05CA, using the B' Odogwu system. 

 

He described the introduction of B'Odogwu as a significant step towards modernization and efficiency in the clearance procedures while adding that both the officers of the Command and Stakeholders have undergone a comprehensive training and sensitization, to ensure effective utilization of the platform. 

 

He promised his resolution and commitment to optimizing the platform’s benefits to enhance the operations and service delivery of his command.

 

To ensure discipline, Comptroller Ogbonna stated that the Command has maintained  a zero-tolerance policy towards officer’s misconduct, corruption and substance abuse adding that it has been a standard practice in his command  that any officer found culpable is made to face the appropriate disciplinary sanction.

 

For adherence to the CGC'S mandate on Collaboration, Comptroller Ogbonna said his command  as a member of the State Security Council is working and collaborating with other security agencies in the State such as the Military, Police, NSCDC, Immigration, the DSS and others to combat trans-border crimes of smuggling and illegal migration, as well as providing security in the State, even as he said in the area of Corporate Social Responsibility the  Command had drilled a borehole at Ajassor Community, Etung LGA; serving the host community by providing clean water for the community’s consumption.

 

He however, listed some of the challenges facing the command to include: Under-utilization of Calabar Sea Port, Port’s shallow channel and inability to accommodate large cargo vessels which he said it is almost impossible for importers to bring consignment through the port. Others are inconsistent power supply as a result of bad public transformer and constant increase in electricity tariff. 

 

He disclosed that the Command has written to the Headquarters requesting for an urgent installation of Transformer and installation of Solar System to reduce the use of public electricity and increment of the monthly Electricity bill from Headquarters.

 

He said that the Cameroon Crisis has resulted to  instability and insecurity due to the persistent conflicts between the Government of Cameroon and the Ambazonian  separatist  creating a climate of fear and uncertainty in the region, thus impacting negatively and disrupting trade flow between Cameroon and Nigeria particularly in the affected border regions.

 

On the paucity of staff,he said the shortage of officers is really affecting his command even as he noted that the Command has only two (2) Deputy Comptrollers and three (3) Assistant Comptrollers  insisting that the command needs   junior officers.

 

Concluding, the Area Controller, stated that his command has  demonstrated remarkable performance in terms of revenue collection, suppression of smuggling and trade facilitation describing it as a testament of the dedication and hard work of the gallant officers and men of the Command who are up and doing but regretted  the challenge of lack of junior officers which he said is badly affecting the operational activities in the Command but was optimistic of junior staff deployment even as he expressed gratitude and congratulations on behalf of the command  to the Comptroller General of Customs, CGC BA ADENIYI MFR dsm fnipr psc(+) who was recently elevated  as the Chairman of the World Customs Organization (WCO) Council.

 

He described the achievement as timely and deserving and expressed his belief that CGC’s expertise and pragmatic leadership style in that  capacity would certainly improve the NCS’s efforts in facilitating trade, enforcing regulations, and promoting national development.

 

In his contribution, the ANLCA Calabar chapter chairman  Dr Uche Ohaegbuchi has commended the ACG . SK Dangladima on his visit. Ohaegbuchi who applauded the development said Dangladima's visit has offered him and his members including other stakeholders the opportunity for personal interaction with the Customs Zone C boss.

 

The ANLCA chieftain regretted the state of the ITU /Calabar road and the shallow draft of the Calabar River which he said has impacted negatively on clearing and Forwarding business, but he however called on the relevant authorities to expedite action on construction of the road as well as Dredging the River.

 

Commenting on the Comptroller Ogbonna's performance since assumption of office, he said “I will score Comptroller Ogbonna 80% . He has really done well in terms of stakeholders engagement, Revenue generation and suppression of Smuggling."

 

He enjoined  his members to be patient and law abiding, noting that with ACG Dangladima's visit things will improve for better.

 

Other places visited include Liberty Oli and Gas Free Trade Zone Akwa Ibom state, Calabar  Free Trade Zone, Authority. Tinapa Business Resort among others. Present at the occasion include representatives of Liberty Oil And Gas Free Trade Zone Authority, Mr Ashok Suvarna and Mr Kumar, Director Nigeria Export Processing Zones Hajia Binta Saeed represented Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authorities while Dr Francis Ekom, Manager Tinapa Business Resort was equally present. Others include representatives of MWUN, ANLCA bonded terminal Operators among others.