By Bon Peters
The new customs Area 5 Ibeto Seaport And Terminals Port Harcourt, Rivers State Thursday witnessed a change of baton as the pioneer Customs Area Controller , Comptroller Martha Abubakar handed over the mantle of leadership in what industry watchers and stakeholders described as a mark of fulfillment for the outgoing Customs Area 5 command controller, who within the short time of being the pioneer Customs Area controller, upped the ante in revenue generation and trade facilitation raking in over N4.2 Billion within three months of commencement of operations at the Port and Terminals before her retirement from the service.
Speaking during his acceptance speech, Comptroller Usman Yayaha expressed his willingness to leverage on the existing foundations lead by his predecessor even as he hinted that his leadership mantra would anchor on the Policy thrust of the Comptroller General Of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR’s , consolidation, collaboration and innovation .
He applauded the Comptroller General Of Customs and his management team for giving him opportunity to serve, insisting he would do that with dedication, commitment and high sense of professionalism adding he was open to Constructive dialogue, interaction and communication for the interest and development of Nigeria.
His words: “I want to use this opportunity to thank the Almighty God for this day, and also appreciate and thank our amiable CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, dsm, fnipr,psc (+) for finding me worthy of this appointment.”
Continuing he asserted “I wish to also pay glowing tribute to my predecessor, retired Comptroller Martha Abubakar, whose tenure here has been nothing short of historic ”
their trust and involvement saying, he was excited with the journey ahead and looking forward to building strong relationships with each of them.
Earlier in her speech, Retired Comptroller M Abubakar expressed gratitude to the Almighty God for seeing her though in good health in her carrier at the Nigeria customs Service which she said spanned over three decades.
She also felicitated with the Comptroller General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR and his management team for the confidence reposed in her.
She noted that such accorded her the opportunity to contribute to National development.
She emphasized, that the cooperation, commitment and unwavering support of the Area 5, officers and Men, made her turn an empty ground to a vibrant Command.
“Your commitment, Professionalism cooperation and team work made the writing of this historic report possible” she said.
She applauded the management and staff of Ibeto Seaport and Terminals for their support and encouragement while thanking the sister agencies and Customs Licensed agents for their collaboration.
She insisted that with the solid foundation already established at Customs Area 5, Command, she has no doubt in her mind that the command would turn a business hub in Rivers state and beyond and achieve greater heights, even as she enjoined the officers and other critical stakeholders to extend their cooperation to the in-coming Area Controller, Compt Usman Yahaya.
Others who gave their goodwill messages include representatives of Ibeto group, represented by the duo of Eze Echesi, group Executive Director, operations and Mr. Oliver Anachebe Nwagbala the Terminal Manager. sister agencies like NDLEA, SON, Agricultural Quarantine Services, ANLCA NAGAFF among others, who were unanimous in praising the retired Comptroller as well as welcoming the new Area 5 Controller, Comptroller Usman Yahaya.
High-point of the event was the presentation of a big plasma Television to the pioneer Area Controller of Ibeto Seaport and Terminals retired Comptroller Martha Abubakar as a parting gift.
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