A TRIBUTE TO EXCELLENCE: SULIIMAN'S UNFORGETTABLE LEGACY OF HUMILITY AND SERVICES

 

***As Sdenuga Describes Suiliaman As The Best PRO in The Entire Service 

By Ambrose Obioma Okehi (News Emperor)

In a heartwelling ceremony, the Seme Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) bid a reluctant farewell to its esteemed Public Relations Officer (PRO), Chief Superintendent of Customs (CSC) Isah Sulaiman, as he embarked on a new journey at the PRO of Apapa Area command, the Premier Command of the service.

The emotional send-forth ceremony, which brought together colleagues, heads of sister security agencies, officers, stakeholders, community members, and the media, was a testament to Sulaiman's unwavering dedication, professionalism, and humility.

This is as the amiable Customs  Area Controller CAC, Comptroller Wale Adenuga, who was full of mixed feelings, praised Sulaiman's exceptional service, describing him as an embodiment of humility and one of the best PROs in the entire Customs Service. "I will truly miss you and I have enjoyed working with you," Adenuga said, adding that Sulaiman had made his job easier. "You will attain greater heights and excel."

The Seme CAC, Adenuga revealed to the entire audience that Sulaiman's transfer to Apapa had been delayed to allow him to stabilize the command, saying, "He should have left for Apapa earlier, but he was purposely retained in Seme just because of me, so I could stabilise. If it were up to me, I would cancel his transfer and make him stay with me longer."

On the other hand, the sister agencies and the media lauded Sulaiman as a consummate professional, exceptional image maker, and a 'journalist's delight', commending his accessibility, professionalism, and job expertise. They highlighted his exceptional ability to foster mutual respect in inter-agency relations, praising him as an exemplary model of a Customs officer.

The ceremony also featured the retirement of Deputy Comptroller Audu Samson Edime, Head of the Scanning Unit, who was celebrated for his years of service to the Customs.

Various speakers congratulated Edime for "finishing well", assuring him that retirement does not mark the end of service to the nation.

In his thank you speech, Sulaiman, who assumed duty as PRO of the Seme Command on February 7, 2025  said he was deeply humbled and profoundly encouraged by the kind words from all present, noting that the send-forth meant a great deal to him as it was the first time he was being celebrated for his work in the presence of stakeholders.

He credited Comptroller Adenuga with laying the foundation for his success at the Seme Command, adding that the Service provided him with the platform to serve the country, a responsibility he pledged to continue to discharge to the best of his ability.

Sulaiman confessed his bittersweet emotions, describing Seme Command as ‘home’ and fondly acknowledging the camaraderie he enjoyed with senior officers, who treated him like family, and junior officers, who sought his guidance.

He expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Comptroller for cultivating a unified team, leading by example, and fostering an environment that drove Command performance.

He also thanked fellow officers for their unwavering support, sister agencies for their collaborative spirit and knowledge sharing, and the media for their cooperation, urging everyone to extend the same level of support to his successor

Specifically, Dr. Nurudeen Audu, the Director of NAFDAC, Seme Command, offered words of wisdom to retiring officer, advising him to remain physically active, keep busy, and venture into business to avoid health challenges. 

A suggestion came that NAFDAC will  be collaborating the Customs to organize a seminar for the retiring officers, offering support packages to help them become successful entrepreneurs.

In response, Comptroller Adenuga announced plans to organize an entrepreneurship lecture for officers nearing retirement, facilitated by Dr. Audu, as part of efforts to prepare them for life after service.

Again,  Sulaiman expressed gratitude for the recognition, crediting Adenuga for laying the foundation for his success. He thanked colleagues, sister agencies, and the media for their support, urging everyone to extend the same level of cooperation to his successor.

The farewell ceremony was a poignant reminder of Sulaiman's indelible mark on the Seme Area Command, with all present wishing him well in his new posting. As he embarks on this new journey, Sulaiman carries with him the admiration and appreciation of those who had the privilege of working with him.