*Save Nigerian families from the Destructive Effects of Drugs
Peace Obi
The Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Colonel Hameed Ibrahim Ali (retired) has charged the newly sworn in National Executive Committee of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) to strive for quality leadership that will move the association and the nation forward.
Speaking at the swearing in and send forth ceremony of the National President of ANLCA, Tony Iju Nwabunike and Prince Olayiwola Shittu in Lagos, the CGC congratulated Nwabunike even as he eulogised Shittu for what he called “his exemplary and exceptional leadership” while he was in office.
Ali who was represented by Zonal Co-ordinator, Zone A, Lagos, ACG Musa Dahiru said that the most important contribution expected of the new leadership of ANLCA is for it to lead an association whose operations will be guided by professionalism and commitment to positive impact.
The CGC argued that this could only be attained through inclusive, robust and outstanding leadership.
Challenging the new ANLCA President, Ali said: “For a successful leadership, stand neutral, strive for perfect leadership that will accommodate all irrespective of their creed or race. It is hoped that your leadership will bring about improvement in the areas that we do have problems. We are looking forward as Customs officers to seeing sincere declarations, correct evaluations, among others by importers so that together we can move this industry and the nation Nigeria forward.”
Worried by the prevalence of illicit drugs in the society and the reckless consumption by Nigerian youths, Ali appealed to ANLCA new executives to mobilise its members against the importation of such harmful drugs into the country.
His words: “There is one particular issue that is bothering me and many other Nigerians. I am talking about this drug called Tramadol. Please see what you can do with your members is to stop influx of illegal and harmful drugs into the country. Many of our children are into it. Save Nigerian families from the destructive effects of these drugs”.
The Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yoruba land and leader, Oodua People’s Congress (OPC), Alhaji Ganiyu Adams in his speech appealed to the Federal Government to reduce duties on essential goods to encourage sincere declarations and to reduce the attendant hardship on Nigerians.
The Chairman, Board of Trustees (ANLCA), Chief Henry Njoku commended Shittu for a job well done while he was in office.
“You have no doubt written your names in gold and in the sand of time. Eight years ago, you mounted on the saddle. Looking back, one has many reasons to congratulate you for this is first time in many years we are having a smooth and successful transition without rancour or ill-feelings. I consider this as one of your greatest achievements. This is a legacy of peace.
“To the incoming national executive, I congratulate you. No doubt, the task ahead will be tough. However, I trust capacity, intelligence, political and moral will to deliver on your mandate. To achieve this, you must work as a team driven by passion to serve. You must at all times, do the right and good to all. Remember, you were not elected to serve any tribe or religion,” Njoku said.
Former National President of ANLCA, Chief Ernest Elochukwu extolled the achievements of Shittu. Elochgukwu who was Shittu’s predecessor congratulated Nwabunike and admonished him to “use talent where you see them. You have been elected to project ANLCA. Please go ahead with this mandate and take the association to the next level”.
Shittu in his remarks thanked members of the association for the opportunity given to him to serve as well as the co-operation his team enjoyed while his tenure lasted.
According to Shittu, ANLCA has come a long way and through its various achievements has distinguished itself as a professional organisation. He noted that election in ANLCA has become an envy of the nation.
Nwabunike in his speech commended the executive and pledged to work hard with his team to reposition the association. He promised to enhance operational efficiency of the group, focus attention on members’ welfare, training and professionalism.
“We will provide a platform for better service delivery. Professionalism will form the basis of our operations. We are committed to making ANLCA a true professional body,” Nwabunike said.