Comptroller Salamatu Atuluku takes Over Leadership at Port Harcourt Customs Area 1

...... as the Command Rakes in N187 Billion in 8 months of 2025
 

Comptroller Salamatu Atuluku has assumed the leadership position of the Nigeria Customs Service Area 1, Port Harcourt, replacing Comptroller YM Hashim who has been redeployed to import and Export unit of the Nigeria Customs Service Headquarters in Abuja.
 
In an emotion laden handover and taking over ceremony Thursday in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State Capital which was attended by officers and Men of the Nigeria Customs Service, critical stakeholders, members of the press amongst others, the new Customs Area Controller, Comptroller S Atuluku expressed Joy for the new appointment saying it was a defining  point in her career even as the out gone Customs Area Controller, Comptroller YM Hashim said the Command has generated  N187 Billion Revenue in 8 months of 2025.
 
Speaking at the event, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Atuluku said that it was a great joy and sense of humility to stand before everybody to receive the baton of leadership of the Command insisting  "this is not just a ceremonial moment; it is a defining point in my career, and I am grateful to God Almighty, to the Comptroller General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR and his management team for finding me worthy of this responsibility."
 
She however, recognized and sincerely appreciated her predecessor, Comptroller YM Hashim, for his selfless service and remarkable contributions to the success of the Command, noting that  “he  has laid a solid foundation in revenue collection, trade facilitation, and stakeholder engagement ", even as she promised it would be  upon such foundation that  she would strive to build.
 
“Comptroller Sir, I wish you the very best in your next assignment and life endeavors."
 
"To my senior officers, I come with an open heart and mind. I believe strongly in teamwork, and I know that leadership is not about one person but about collective efforts. I urge you all to give me the same cooperation and commitment you have shown my predecessor, if not more. Together, we will ensure that this Command continues to stand tall”, she stated.
 
Continuing, She emphasized "To our stakeholders, and other critical partners here today, I see you not just as stakeholders but as partners in progress.”
 
"The growth of this Command depends on the strength of our collaboration. I promise to keep the doors of dialogue open, to listen, to understand, and to work with you in ways that will strengthen trade, enhance compliance, and bring mutual benefits."
 
She promised to collaborate with the press for effective reportage especially in the area of transparency and accountability
 
 Her words:  "Gentlemen of the press, you are an important bridge between us and the public. I look forward to working with you as partners in transparency and accountability."
 
She vowed to lead with fairness, dedication and human face."I pledge to lead with fairness, dedication, and a human face. "
 
"My doors will remain open, and I will count on your prayers, cooperation, and goodwill to succeed in this new assignment."
 
"Once again, I thank the Comptroller General of Customs for this opportunity, my predecessor for his legacy, and all of you for the warm reception", she added.
 
Earlier in his welcome remarks, the out-gone Comptroller  YM  Hashim says "I am deeply touched to see so many familiar faces here today, people who have walked with me on this journey, shared in the challenges, and stood by the Command through thick and thin."
 
He emphasized that their presence meant more to him than ordinary words can explain.
 
"Your presence means more to me than words can fully capture."
 
"Today is not just about change in leadership; it is about honouring the story of this Command, the hard work of its officers, and the bond we have built with our stakeholders. Looking back, I see a Command that has grown stronger, not just because of one person, but because of the collective spirit of everyone in this room."
 
Giving his scorecard on revenue generation during his tenure as Port Harcourt Area 1 Customs controller, from October 2023 to August 2025, Comptroller YM  Hashim said  "Every success has an underlining story.”
 
"I reported to Area 1 Command in October 2023, meeting a big revenue “shoe” of ₦11.8Billion. By the end of the year 2023, the total collection was One Hundred and sixteen Billion ₦116.5Billion. When compared with 2022, which stood at ₦92Billion, ₦24Billion, representing a growth of 26.18%."
 
"The year 2024 also started afresh with a revenue collection of ₦17,065Billion in January. At the close of that year, we had collected over ₦200Billion, surpassing the 2023 figure of ₦116.5Billion by over ₦84Billion, a percentage increase of 72.41%."
 
"At the start of 2025, the Command was given a revenue target over ₦216Billion with a monthly average of ₦18.077Billion.”
 
"It might interest you to know that from January to August 2025, the Command recorded revenue collection of over ₦187Billion, leaving only about ₦29Billion to go for the year, with Four (4) powerful “ember” months remaining.”
 
"This collection, when compared to the same period in 2024, which stood at ₦142.5Billion, shows a difference of over ₦45Billion representing a revenue growth of about 32%. "
 
"At this juncture, it is sufficient to reiterate that the very big revenue “shoes” of ₦11Billion handed over to me by my predecessor has now expanded as the command recorded a revenue collection of over ₦31Billion in June 2025. These figures are not just numbers; they tell the story of sacrifice, teamwork, and the tireless commitment of officers and men of this Command, supported by our stakeholders”, he noted.
 
Speaking further, he said "To each and every one of you, I owe a debt of gratitude. To the officers and men of this Command, you have been my strength. Your dedication, your sacrifice, and your resilience are what made our achievements possible. To our stakeholders and partners, you did not just play your part, you walked with us like true companions, sometimes challenging us, sometimes encouraging us, but always reminding us that we are better together."
 
"I also owe special thanks to the Comptroller-General of Customs and his Management team for giving me the privilege to serve here. Port Harcourt Area 1 has been more than a posting for me; it has been a home. I carry with me fond memories of teamwork, trust, and friendships that I will treasure long after I leave this seat."
 
"As I hand over the baton today, my only request is simple: stand by my successor the same way you stood by me. Support, encourage, and work with her, because leadership may change, but our mission and our shared responsibility to the nation remain the same." Comptroller Hashim said.
 
The event featured goodwill messages from officers and Men of the Nigeria Customs Service and critical stakeholders.
 
Delivering their goodwill messages Deputy Controller  incharge of International Airport Umagwa DC SE Ntuen and Deputy Controller Valuation Customs Area 1 Command, DC MA Ayoola have described Comptroller YM Hashim has an achiever who has turned the revenue profile of Port Harcourt Area 1 into a positive direction.
 
They emphasized that his exit from Customs Area 1 was that of a mixed feeling having bonded so well with him.
 
They praised him for his leadership style especially in stakeholders Engagement, friendship disposition and dedication to duty.
 
They however said they were consoled as they would meet him in Abuja as the Controller in charge of the export and import unit at the Headquarters.
 
They equally used the opportunity to welcome the new Controller of the Command, Comptroller Salamatu Atuluku and pledged their unalloyed cooperation.
 
Also speaking, Dr Emmanuel Oko, Chapter Chairman, Association of Nigerian customs Licensed Customs Agents, (ANLCA) had paid a glowing tribute to the outgone Comptroller, YM Hashim, insisting that his stay at Customs Port Harcourt Area 1, has positively impacted on the agents.
 
He said his exit elicited a mixed reaction to him but was happy Hashim was not exiting the service but going to Abuja for  new assignment.
 
“Am not completely angry because I will be seeing you in Abuja. I wish you Success and God's guidance in your new assignment" Dr Oko said.
 
He also used the opportunity to welcome Comptroller Atuluku and assured her of his members' support and cooperation to achieve her objectives.
 
The high point of the event was a presentation of an award of Excellence to Comptroller Hashim,by the Serving Youth Copers  of the Command who described Comptroller Hashim as a  Father .
 
Present at the event include Members of ANLCA, NAGAFF among others
 
By Bon Peters,
in Port Harcourt, Rivers State

The Nigerian Journey

 By Dr Austin Orette

 

The journey of nationhood is not for timid souls. It was never easy for countries like India and China to rise. These countries have more divisions, ethnic, religious cleavages and groupings than we can ever imagine. The main thing that worked for them was that they never gave upstart military officers the chance to upend their civilian administration and throw their country into a fratricide war.

 

In times of distress, there are people in Nigeria who still look to the military for solutions. This is shameful. The military caused our problems. How did we arrive at this place where a lot of Nigerians still think the military have solutions to our problem? Are these folks victims of Military Induced Mental Retardation (MIMR) (pronounced Mama)? These people still think this way despite the overwhelming evidence to the contrary. This is the reason why the various legislative bodies have not seen it fit to abrogate the decrees of the military that ruled Nigeria on behalf of a certain group of people. This mentality is dangerous to our body politics. This is why a lot of these politicians pay courtesy visits to these soldiers of fortune that turned Nigeria into the Pariah nation.

 

MIMR is the reason the Nigerian lawyers don’t know their role in a democratic society. MIMR is the reason why we don’t have legal reforms. In a constitution that guarantees freedom of movement, the Nigerian is harassed daily on the highways by state agents.

 

Are we at war? Why is our freedom restricted? No lawyer has taken the government to court for this constitutional violation. This is pathetic. We need serious legal reforms. The method of appointing judges is very antiquated. We need to know the character of those who will be judges. Knowledge of jurisprudence should not be the only criteria. During the military years, the Nigerian lawyer played the role of stenographer for military decrees, and the judges took their decisions from the soldiers. Now they are playing almost the same role as politicians who have no idea why they were elected. They have abandoned the practice of law to become jesters at the feet of reckless politicians and conveyors of injustice at our courts. Our courts harbor judges who suffocate justice under their robes and consider military decrees of bygone era as a guild post for our state of jurisprudence.

 

All over the country, you see governors and other politicians seizing and damaging people’s properties without just compensation and there is no lawyer in sight to argue on behalf of the afflicted. A Dangote truck will damage and incinerate people on the highways, and no case is brought on behalf of the victims. The Nigerian Armed Forces go into a village for security duties and destroy the village, no justice for the victims. The governor pays a courtesy visit to the commander in chief. No lawyer files a lawsuit on behalf of the victim. The officer who issued the command to murder sleeping villagers is left to repeat the same scenario in another jurisdiction. We will protest if this happens in Palestine. It is happening in the Democratic Republic of Nigeria where the rights of the citizens are undermined daily by those they elected.

 

These politicians did not gain power by a coup. If you listen to them with your eyes closed, you will think they are military officers who have just gained power through a coup d’etat. They don’t seek consensus. They give directives. Some of them defy court rulings with fanfare. The military infantilized everyone in Nigeria, but they pushed the lawyer back into the womb. This is atrocious.

 

As a nation, we must consider the fifty-five years of military rule in Nigeria as the years of locust. The journey of great nations is always evolutionary. The military years were the years when hatred of each other became ossified and personalized as the military played us against each other to prolong their power. The revolution is always a lie.

 

In history, most periods of revolutionary zeal turn to mirage. We will have good leaders, and we will have bad leaders. Each period is an opportunity to learn what to do and what not to do. The rush to think that some army general will appear and use a magical wand to achieve all we wish for is infantile and dangerous. No soldier can develop any nation. Nigeria is a testament to that foolery.

 

It is the willingness of the people to understand the necessity to build bridges and lasting institutions of harmony that moves a nation forward. The rule of law is the cornerstone in this exercise. If we have the rule of law, the Nigerian will feel protected in any place he calls home. Ethnic crisis and tensions will dampen because he knows no matter what happens, the law will protect him from ethnic or religious vigilantism that is the breeding ground for timid souls that are still married to the past.

 

These people must be made to see the supremacy of the law as the sign of our progress. The journey is arduous, and our dream should be about building frameworks that last beyond our existence, because the nation that we dream of should always be a continuous journey of those who believe in tomorrow and understand that the yearning and aspiration of our people shall never die. This is all we can ask for as we toil in our little corner, to build tomorrow for the next generation.

 

We must strive to make tomorrow a brighter proposition for those coming after us. It is when we arrive at that place, we can say our work is done. This singularity is love that binds us beyond ethnic and religious proclivities, which robs us of our basic humanity. We can start this journey today and also understand that others who share the same aspirations with us may start their journey tomorrow. The wisdom we seek should give us the patience to know the difference and endure the pain and loneliness of waiting for those who are not ready today but will join us tomorrow.

 

For those who seek truth, justice and fairness, tomorrow is a distant horizon we must gaze at with hope, endurance and fortitude. Tomorrow is not a destination; it is a state of our being. The futuristic tomorrow may never come but our state of will be fulfilled and rewarded as our collective struggles will build monuments that last beyond our time.

 

That is the tomorrow we seek, a place where our dreams will never die.

 

Dr Austin Orette writes from Houston Texas

 

Chief Obiaruko Urges newly elected Rivers LG Chairmen to carryout Real-time empowerment and project execution

The president of Citizens Quest for Truth Initiative, Chief Christie Obiaruko Ndukwe has urged the newly elected Rivers LG Chairmen to carryout Real-time empowerment and project execution

Chief Oby who gave the encouragement via her Facebook page said, "The newly elected LG Chairmen have to prove that it was worth the stress by doing things differently this time around! Real-time empowerment and project execution! Enough of buying cars and displaying them as projects! Let's see those who have something new to bring to the table with their first monthly allocation."

"No more commissioning of stuff like refurbished Transformers that may never work or erecting low-budget solar lights better described as "Tilley" lamps" she said.

She advised that "boreholes must be with high-end overhead tanks and proper reticulation and solar energy to power at all times z even if the people can pay a token to have water all the time."

According to her, "we need the era of road construction of 500m and 1km roads to help farmers and traders. Mass mobilization vehicles to help farmers and traders to and fro the farms and markets. They can also pay a token to get these rides. Next is access to health centers with emergency services and for primary health Care. With the allocations they receive considering the increased Federal Government allocations to States and Local Govt Councils, these things are doable."

Continuing she asked, "What exactly are the people asking for? It is not too much to write their names in gold at the end of their tenure. Latest SUVs and priority vehicles will always be there. Littering your compound with them translates to nothing but a flagrant display of avarice in the state of unwantom lack! The security they seek is also good for the people they govern! Security votes should be rightly deployed to take care of local insecurity especially in the cosmopolitan LGAs like Obio/Akpor, Port Harcourt, Oyigbo, Etche and Emohua while not leaving out the rest. Water Transportation is more than necessary now. It is not luxury but premium - a complete necessity! Building castles that none may ever visit after your tenure is tantamount to building Modern prisons for you and your spouse, more so when your children have been sent to foreign schools and may become westernized that they either don't return or give into such tastes again! "

She congratulated the winners and hoped that they can compete favourably on who would become the next MVP, even as she urged them to appoint those who have what it takes to help them reach their goals and not just praise singers.

The song writer said: "We shall only be remembered by the works we have done", she quoted.

Rethinking Our Constitutional Arrangements

 The reason why we are so full of cynicism and nihilism is because we have not been able to dig deeply into what afflicts us and propound lasting solutions to our problems. All the solutions we have at this time were hurriedly foisted on the nation by a beleaguered and departing military.

When people compare Nigeria to other countries that are doing well, they tend to forget one big elephant in the room. Those countries they compare Nigeria to were never subjects of coup and counter coups. There was something very peculiar about the military regimes that ran Nigeria. They totally abrogated any form of democracy. From 1966 until 1999, Nigeria never had any parliament. As bad as Saddam of Iraq was, he did not abolish the parliament of his country when he took over. Citizens still had a modicum of debate on local issues. This was not the case with Nigeria. The military came in and threw away the culture of debate that was very robust in Nigerian nascent democracy.

In the first Republic Tafawa Balewa will address his constituency about the goings on in parliament. Other regional leaders did same and citizens were engaged. What is happening in our present situation is the harvest of the many years of military misrule. The present crop of politicians is the product of the military. They have no clues and are very imperious and distant from the people they serve. A majority of them are illiterates, clueless and products of forged certificates. Up from 1999,  I am yet to see any representative or senator address their constituents about any solution to the myriads of problems facing the country. They are distant from the people who elected them and imperious like the military that selected them. They have no sense of civic responsibility. They are there to coast and collect their huge salaries and allowance and go home. The Nigerian parliament is a big joke. It is like Will Rogers Republic. Anytime they make a law, it is a joke and anytime they make a joke, it becomes a law.

As citizens, we have to think deeply on how to get rid of this odious system without involving the military in our body politics. A military regime is always a curse on any nation. The military cannot solve any problem. It is very unfortunate that prominent Nigerians succumb to this foolishness and visit people who were nothing but soldiers of fortune. Anyone who gained power through the military in Nigeria was a soldier of fortune who in a democratic system will be a nonentity.

Buhari was a military leader. He became clueless as an elected leader. David Mark spent more than twenty years in the Senate, and nobody knew what he stood for. I gave these examples so that Nigerians can see that the Military have no solutions. They are all about bravado and subterfuge. Nigerians must articulate the way forward. The reason why there is cacophony of ethnic reductism is that Nigerians don’t feel represented at any level. All the tiers of governments in Nigeria are sham. The leaders are not properly vetted, and they are very distant from the citizens that they are supposed to serve. They are imperious. They use their security to clear citizens from the roads they did not construct. We have to think deeper.

The present constitution cannot be workable in Nigeria no matter how much we tinker with it. That constitution is a product of military Regime that alienated and infantilized the citizens. They say it is an American style Constitution. That is a big lie invented by the military. The similarities between US constitution and the Nigerian constitution are night and day. There should be no comparison. The American constitution frees the citizens; the Nigerian constitution imprisons the citizens. The Nigerian constitution caters to a unitary executive while the American constitution is a federal document. To suggest otherwise is a big fraud.

In order to extricate ourselves from the imprisonment of this document, we must evolve a system in which every citizen will feel represented in a multicultural and multi-ethnic society. This is what I advocate and what I think will work for a country like Nigeria.

Nigeria already has six geopolitical zones. Each geopolitical zone should elect its President and Vice President who will represent each region at a council of presidents at Abuja. This council of presidents will be for a period of six years. The presidency will be rotated among these six presidents every year. The substantive president for each year will represent Nigeria at international Fora for that year. Their vice presidents will be the liaison and head of regional parliament. For any legislation to be law, two third must accent. The Senate should be abolished, and Reps should become senators for a term of five years.

The various houses of assemblies should be collapsed into the regional assemblies. The title of governor should be changed to state Coordinator who will be Chair of the state contingent at the Regional assembly and be answerable to the citizens. Most of these state assemblies are doing nothing apart from influence peddling.

A situation where the representatives of the people cannot be challenged in open debate is odious. This is what we have now. When each region sees their representation at the center, the agitation for North Central, East and West will evaporate and Nigeria can concentrate on the business of building Nigeria. All the aforementioned can be tinkered with by scholars and we can have a workable constitution.

Another aspect that will be relieved is the heavy logistics involved in trying to elect one candidate throughout the country. Now people will just elect who will represent them at the center. Let political scholars get involved in this project instead of lying to ourselves that we are practicing true democracy. We also must eschew this culture of Nihilism and engage in rebuilding the edifice that was destroyed by the military.

 

Dr Austin Orette Writes From Houston Texas

 

A Question of Justice

By Dr Austin Orette

 

There is no development if it is done at the expense of the rule of law and the confiscation of people’s properties. The greater part of development is the upholding of the rule of law and justice.

 

Since I can remember, successive Nigerian governments have treated the rule of law as an inconvenience. The rule of law is the bedrock of any society that wishes to develop. It is the sine qua non of a developed society. It is the main difference between developed and underdeveloped countries.

 

Successive Nigerian governments from states to the federal have made the demolition of people’s properties as a developmental tool. This is wrong at all levels. This they do without any conveyance from the courts. This is anathema to the rule of law.

 

Our laws must develop more than physical structures. These gross violations of the rights of the people by the government are the root for all the insecurities and anarchy in the land. The Nigerian government proposes and disposes. This is wrong. The damage done to the economy by these actions is monumental. No one in his right mind would bring money into such an economy where policy summersault and brigandage are the order of the day. Those who are there are just agents of capital flight.

 

I have always said that the National Assembly has betrayed Nigerians by being a collection of military boys who lack the acuity to create an enabling environment for the development of our laws. They take these fat salaries and go to Abuja to sleep. They have done nothing to expunge bad laws in the Nigerian statute books. This is very wrong.

 

At the end of apartheid when Nelson Mandela took over, the first order of business of the South African Parliament was the expunging of bad laws that were passed during apartheid. That is what they call development.

 

Since the inception of civilian rule in Nigeria, the successive governments from state to federal level have not reviewed any of the bad decree passed by the departing military personnel. They even refer to these military decrees as act of the National Assembly. Some of these laws are still observed to the detriment of the citizens. Olusegun Obasanjo passed the Land Use Decree. Since that decree was passed, a lot of Nigerians have had their properties confiscated or demolished by agents of government without any conveyance from the courts. This is abnormal. No one should be surprised that this is the major reason for insecurity and anarchy in the land. This is the reason for the stagnation of the economy. There is no rule of law in Nigeria and government agents are the people using the government to violate the rights and properties of the people. No nation can develop in the terrain of injustice.

 

From time to time, the Nigerian government goes begging for people to bring their hard-earned money to invest in Nigeria. A foreign entity recently announced an investment of 600 million dollars in Nigeria. This is not money compared to what Nigerians can push into the economy on their own. The people in power are too blind to see, or they deliberately ignore the Nigerians in diaspora who can flood the place with cash and lift the economy.  They are financially buoyant and technically savvy. The Nigerian diaspora remits more than 25 billion dollars to Nigeria annually. This is the official amount that is documented. This doesn’t include unofficial remittances. This is the power that Nigerians in diaspora have that the government is deliberately ignoring because they know that the day these Nigerians make Nigeria their home, the shenanigans of the peacocks will be over. These Nigerians are savvy and technologically equipped. This is the formula that built China and India. Those countries gave their people in diaspora muscle, and they exercised it.

 

Today the Indians and Chinese are in Nigeria discriminating against Nigerians. No foreigners will bring his knowledge and talent to a place where the pronouncements of those in government and government officials become law. Nigerians in the diaspora are very sensitive to this lack of rule of law. A lot of them have lost their lives because they succumbed to the yearnings. This curiosity has been dampened by these unfortunate incidents. They know that life and properties are not guaranteed in Nigeria, and they have slowed their foray into Nigeria.

 

The hurt is too much. China and India leapfrogged into the twenty-first century by using their diaspora. Nigeria has more ingredients than these countries, but still on its knees and continues to treat the rule of law and justice as a gift it bestows on “deserving” citizens.

 

Nigeria is a place where a fellow Senator will suspend another Senator. Is our democracy a joke? It is a big joke as those in power think they can bend the laws to punish their detractors. The whole judiciary is corrupt. The criminals who should be in jail are in high positions enacting laws to imprison the people. The lawyers are nothing but high priests in the court of Herod. Their main job is to collect bribes for the judges.  The rest of the people can be damned.

 

Development is not a gift you impose on people. It is a process that is necessary for the survival of a people. The development of the rule of law is the sine qua non of progress. Unless we champion the development of the rule of law, we are going nowhere. This is where our emphasis should be instead of building roads and bridges that lead to a cul-de-sac. The absence of the rule of law makes these constructions nothing, but monuments to our ego.

 

Dr Austin Orette writes from Houston Texas

 

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