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.“