By Innocent Orok
Deputy Comptroller General of Customs , DCG Charles Orbih has charged Zone ‘A’ Officers to uphold the leading standard which the Zone is known for. DCG Orbih who was recently appointed to the rank, said this during his official handing over as Zonal Coordinator of Zone ‘A’ on Friday to Assistant Comptroller General Mohammed Babandede at the Zonal Headquarters in Ikeja, Lagos State.
DCG Orbih who is now in -charge of Finance, Administration and Technical Services ( FATS) at the Customs Headquarters said “Zone ‘A’ has always been special to me, and I believe it holds a unique place in the heart of every customs officer who has served here.
“We are not just another Administrative Zone; we are the bedrock of the Nigeria Customs Service. This Zone
has consistently upheld the highest standards of excellence, professionalism, and unwavering dedication to national service. From this foundation, the entire Service draws its strength and character.
“When I reflect on our journey together, I see faces of commitment, hands that have
worked tirelessly, and minds that have embraced every challenge as an opportunity to serve our nation better. Each of you has contributed something invaluable to the
story of Zone ‘A’, and for that, I am eternally grateful.”
Orbih who thanked God for his elevation to the rank of DCG, which he said he never expected it , also praised CGC Adewale Adeniyi who has painted clear vision for the Service. He appreciated the hardworking officers of the Zonal Headquarters for their dedication and commitment to duty and urged them to support the new ACG.
“The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR dsm, fnipr, FNIIA
psc(+), has painted a clear vision for the Nigeria Customs Service. His vision of a
modern, efficient, and technology-driven customs administration that facilitates
trade and protects national security while maximizing revenue for national
development has been our guiding star.
“Here in Zone ‘A’, we have been privileged to be at the forefront of implementing this vision, and I am proud that we have consistently delivered results that align with his expectations.
“To the hardworking officers of the Zonal Headquarters, you are the true heroes of
this story. Your sacrifices, often unnoticed by the outside world, have been the fuel
that powers our success.
As I prepare to pass the leadership baton to my successor, I do so with complete confidence in the future of Zone ‘A’. The foundation we have built together is solid, the team is exceptional, and the vision remains crystal clear”
DCG Orbih who described ACG Babandede as an exceptional caliber with deep understanding and unwavering abilities in Customs operations urges officers of the zone to support him.
“The incoming Zonal
Coordinator is an officer of exceptional calibre, possessing deep understanding of customs operations, proven leadership abilities, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. His professional competence, integrity, and dedication to service are qualities that will serve Zone ‘A’ well in the months ahead.
“I implore you to extend to the incoming Zonal Coordinator the same unreserved
support and cooperation that you have graciously given me throughout my tenure.
Your loyalty, professionalism, and team spirit have been the pillars upon which our
success has been built. As you welcomed me and worked tirelessly to ensure our
collective achievements, I am confident you will embrace the new leadership with
the same warmth and dedication. The continued excellence of Zone ‘A’ depends not just on one person, but on all of us working together as one cohesive unit.
“To my successor, you are inheriting more than an office or a title. You are receiving
the trust of dedicated officers and the responsibility of upholding the legacy of
excellence that defines Zone ‘A’. Your wealth of experience, strategic thinking, and
commitment to the Service’s ideals position you perfectly to take Zone ‘A’ to even
greater heights. I have complete faith that under your capable leadership, this Zone
will continue to set the standard for the entire Nigeria Customs Service.
“The future of Zone ‘A’ is bright because it rests in capable hands. Continue to
prioritize the welfare of your officers, maintain the highest standards of professionalism, and never lose sight of the bigger picture. Remember that every action taken here reverberates throughout the entire Nigeria Customs Service because it is, and will always remain, its bedrock.
“As I take my leave, I want you to know that serving as the Zone ‘A’ Coordinator has
been one of the highest honours of my career. The relationships I have built here,
the lessons I have learned, and the memories we have created together will remain
with me always. Though I have been appointed to a different office, my heart will
always have a special place for the Zone and the incredible people who make it
what it is”.
In a brief chat with his officers after the handover ceremony, ACG Babandede, who described himself as a “Team Player ” seeks the cooperation of all officers to achieve the mandate of the Zone. He thank CG Wale Adeniyi for deploying him to Zone A and promised to uphold the leading role of the Zone as always.
