Author: Cynthia Idowu; Lagos.

The Zonal Coordinator of Zone ‘A’, Assistant Comptroller General of Customs Modupe Aremu officially bowed out of the Nigeria Customs Service on the 3rd of May, 2023.

The valedictory session held in her honour attracted, the former National Public Relations Officer now Customs Area Controller of Kirikiri Lighter Terminal, Comptroller Timi Bomodi, Comptroller Dera Nnadi of Seme Command, Comptroller Dorathy Yisa Omogbeyin, and others.

In her send-forth speech at the Customs Office in Yaba Harvey Road Lagos, the ACG thanked God, the CGC Col. Hameed Ali (rtf), the Management Team, and all Operatives who walked the Customs journey with her, especially at her last assignment in Zone A.

“I have gotten to learn quite a lot from each of you, spanning from the Comptroller in the Zone, CACs, and Heads of units that I met when I assumed office as the Zonal Coordinator Zone ‘A’. If I start to speak individually about each one of you, then trust me, it will take the whole of our time today, as you all are people of multiple talents, whose wealth of experience has assisted me in my job as the ACG.

Zone ‘A’ is the bedrock and microcosm of the Nigeria Customs Service, which implies that, if there is a default, it will have a multiplier effect on the entire Service. And luckily, on assumption, here, I met a team of very dedicated and highly professional officers who made the Service proud in all areas of our mandates, ” Modupe emphasized.

Speaking on 2022 revenue generation, she noted that the Zone recorded a remarkable milestone of N1,919,371,952,404.35 (One Trillion, nine hundred and nineteen billion, three hundred and seventy-one million, nine hundred and fifty-two thousand, four hundred and four naira, thirty-five kobo only) and that, the figure remains, the highest from the records in the annals of history of the Zone.

She also assured that the Zone will do better in 2023, having generated a total sum of N466,298,370,868.71 (Four hundred and sixty-six billion, two hundred and ninety-eight million, three hundred and seventy thousand, eight hundred and sixty-eight naira and seventy-one kobo only) in the first quarter of 2023.

“May I at this juncture salute the effort of all the CACs and Heads of Units that contributed to these accomplishments. I believe that with your commitment, the Zone will surely surpass this record in 2023. Additionally, the first quarter of 2023 has been very promising.

This is despite the global economic recessions which affected all world economies. Added to this was another landmark achievement which saw the promotion of six (6) Comptrollers in the Zone as Ag. ACG’s, with the promotion of 62 officers to the rank of Comptrollers and massive promotion of other ranks, underscoring the fact that Zone ‘A’ parades the best in all aspects,” Modupe stressed.

Modupe Aremu however, handed the Staff of Office to the new Zonal Coordinator, ACG Festus Okun. The new ACG thanked his predecessor for the enviable standard that Zone ‘A’ has attained under her regime and promised to bring his wealth of experience to bear in setting new standards as a way of continuity.

In his remarks, Comptroller Timi Bomodi said, the ACG has the capacity of making those who work under her, work in a relaxing environment not minding her status. “We live in an environment that highlights the importance of hierarchy. We know the subordinate and superior relationship, but you make that relationship so easy, to work and still achieve a better result. We will always remember you for that Ma,” Bomodi stated.

On his part, Dera Nnadi recalled the ACG’s spontaneity of feedback during crisis, when he was in Ogun 1 Area Command. He said even at midnight, the ACG would respond and give useful advice with utmost concern about the safety of Officers.

“You made us realise that the rank on our shoulders confers on us, a huge responsibility, and some of us, are already emulating that,” Nnadi stated.

The Free Trade Zone boss, Comptroller Dorathy Yisa Omogbeyin also eulogized the ACG for all the wonderful traits which according to her, will be forever remembered. Comptroller Queen of Lagos Industrial Command praised her excellent personality in fulfilling her official assignment. “We will miss such a beauty in Customs uniform, ” she reaffirmed.

The Zonal coordinator concluded by paying special tribute to the Customs management, ably led by the CGC Col. Hameed Ibrahim Ali (Rtd) for the untiring effort of repositioning the Service for better efficiency. “I will forever cherish the support of the NCS management which reposed a high level of confidence in me, and for the opportunity to serve at the management level,” she stated as she bade the Service farewell.