Odest CEO Applauds Comptroller Babandede as Onne Customs Command Sets Promotion Record
By Bon Peters
PORT HARCOURT/Nigeria: The recent promotion ceremony at the Port Harcourt Area II Customs Command in Onne, Rivers State, has sparked positive reactions across the maritime community, with the Chairman and CEO of Odest Global Resources, Mr. Chidera Oganuzor, praising Comptroller Mohammed Babandede, the Customs Area Controller of Onne, for his exemplary leadership.
The ceremony, which saw Onne Customs Command achieve a historic feat with 14 Deputy Comptrollers promoted to the rank of Comptroller, has been hailed as the first in the command’s history to reach such a milestone. Oganuzor, a maritime expert and operator of a Customs Bonded Terminal in Port Harcourt, expressed his joy at the achievement, noting that a Comptroller had even emerged from Odest Bonded Terminal, along with other promotions within the terminal.
Addressing the newly promoted officers, Babandede expressed his pride in the list of officers promoted, which saw the Port Harcourt Area II Customs Command top the national chart for the highest number of promotions. He humbly acknowledged that promotions are not a right but a privilege, emphasizing that luck played a role in the officers’ achievements. Babandede encouraged the promoted officers to remain committed to high standards of integrity and professionalism, stressing that with greater responsibility comes greater expectations.
“Promotion is a privilege, and much has been given to you, so much more is expected. I urge you to demonstrate professionalism and integrity in your duties,” Babandede said. He also reassured those not promoted, urging them to remain patient as their turn would soon come.
Oganuzor commended Babandede for his leadership, noting that since his assumption of office, Babandede has elevated Customs operations at Onne. He credited the Comptroller with fighting smuggling, closing loopholes, and facilitating legitimate trade, all while ensuring the security and well-being of Nigerians. These efforts, Oganuzor said, have led to significant seizures and a remarkable increase in revenue generation for the command.
“Comptroller Babandede has set a high standard for others to follow, and his work has been recognized not only within the Command but also by the Comptroller General of Customs, BA Adeniyi MFR,” Oganuzor remarked. “Onne Customs Command now holds the record for the highest number of promoted Comptrollers, and I am proud that some of these officers emerged from my terminal.”
Oganuzor also highlighted the importance of strong collaboration between Customs officers and stakeholders like Odest Global Resources, emphasizing the synergy that drives successful outcomes. He advised the newly promoted officers to view their promotions as a call to even greater responsibility and encouraged those who were not promoted to remain patient, assured that their time would come.
In the latest 2024 promotion for General Duty and Support Staff, Onne Customs Command saw a total of 14 Deputy Comptrollers elevated to the rank of Comptroller, 6 Assistant Comptrollers promoted to Deputy Comptroller, and 17 Chief Superintendents of Customs elevated to Assistant Comptroller. Other junior officers were also promoted, including Inspectors and Customs Assistants, with special promotions awarded to officers involved in the interception of illegal firearms and ammunition.
The event, which drew a large crowd of dignitaries including Dr. Abdulrahmon Hussein, Port Manager of the Nigerian Ports Authority, CP Jimoh Moshood, Commissioner of Police Eastern Ports, and representatives from sister agencies such as NDLEA, Immigration, SON, FRSC, and various freight forwarding associations, was a testament to the growing recognition of Onne Customs Command’s outstanding contributions to Nigeria’s trade and security sectors.
