By Mina Ojelabi
The Seme Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on Tuesday held a surprise and highly emotional send-forth ceremony in honour of its Public Relations Officer (PRO), Chief Superintendent of Customs (CSC) Isah Sulaiman, who is set to assume duty at the Apapa Area Command. The event, which took place at the Officers’ Mess, also doubled as a retirement celebration for the Head of the Scanning Unit, Deputy Comptroller Audu Samson Edime.
Sulaiman, who assumed office as PRO on February 7, 2025, received glowing tributes from sister security agencies, officers of the Command and members of the media. Speakers praised his professionalism, humility and unwavering dedication, describing him as a consummate image maker and a model Customs officer.
Representatives of sister agencies along the Lagos–Seme corridor hailed Sulaiman as a dynamic communicator who strengthened inter-agency cooperation and built bridges across operational structures. They lauded his approachability, coordination skills and passion for service, noting that he would be deeply missed.
Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Wale Adenuga, described Sulaiman as “one of the best PROs in the entire Customs Service,” adding that his departure was delayed because of the critical role he played in stabilising the Command.
“I will truly miss you. If I had my way, I would cancel your transfer,” Adenuga said. He also thanked officers, sister agencies and the media whose continuous support, he noted, contributed to the Command’s improved performance, especially in revenue generation.
Journalists on the Seme corridor hailed Sulaiman as a “journalist’s delight,” citing his accessibility and deep knowledge of Customs operations. They pledged to maintain the same cooperative spirit when he resumes duties in Apapa.
In an emotional response, Sulaiman said he was humbled by the recognition, noting that it was the first time he was being publicly celebrated by stakeholders in the course of his career. He credited Comptroller Adenuga’s leadership for creating the environment that enabled him to succeed, describing Seme Command as a home he was reluctant to leave.
Sulaiman expressed gratitude to senior and junior officers, sister agencies and the media for their support and urged them to extend the same cooperation to his successor.
The ceremony also formally celebrated the retirement of Deputy Comptroller Edime Audu Samson. Speakers paid tribute to his decades of service, describing him as a disciplined professional who “finished well.”
Dr. Nurudeen Audu, Director of NAFDAC, Seme Command, encouraged retirees to remain active and embrace entrepreneurship. He revealed that NAFDAC is ready to support retiring officers with packages that promote business opportunities.
In response, Comptroller Adenuga announced plans to organise an entrepreneurship lecture for officers approaching retirement, with Dr. Audu serving as facilitator.
A visibly fulfilled Edime thanked God for life and good health, affirming that he had no regrets about his career. He expressed optimism about life after service, pledging to devote his time to productive ventures.
The event highlighted the strong synergy and goodwill cultivated under Sulaiman’s tenure, as he now transitions to the strategic Apapa Area Command.
Culled from World Swift News
Leave a comment