The Deputy Comptroller of Customs, Olukayode Oladapo Afeni, has assumed his role as the new Customs Area Controller of Ogun 1 Area Command, Idiroko.
Afeni took over from Comptroller Godwin Otunla on Thursday.
This was contained in a statement made available to newsmen on Friday, by the command’s public relations officer, Chado Zakari.
According to a statement, Comptroller Afeni, while speaking at the formal handover ceremony held at the Command Headquarters, Idiroko, expressed gratitude to the Comptroller General of Customs, for the confidence reposed in him and pledged to consolidate the gains recorded in the areas of trade facilitation, revenue collection, and anti smuggling activities.
Afeni, stating that he is committed to bolstering interagency collaboration and minimising smuggling activities, promised to put personnel welfare and professional development first under his leadership.
He said, “It is a great honour to assume the leadership of Ogun 1. I am fully aware of the unique operational environment of the command, with its vast borders. I am also aware of the strategic importance of this command to the national economy and border security.
“I assure you to consolidate the gains already recorded by my predecessor and pursue continuous improvement in the area of efficiency, enforcement, intelligence-led operations, stakeholders collaboration and community relations,” Afeni added.
DAILY POST gathered that the seasoned officer holds a Bachelor of Technology in Industrial Design from Federal University of Technology, Akure, a Masters degree in Diplomacy and Strategic studies from University of Lagos.
His professional development includes several courses such as: Basic Conflict Management course from Institute for peace and conflict resolution-Nigeria peace Academy, Abuja, Advance course in conflict Analysis and international Negotiation, Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Lagos, Strategic Leadership Management Training, Abuja and Rural Border Patrol Operation Academy Mentorship among others.
In his farewell address, the outgoing Customs Area Controller, Compt. Godwin Otunla described his tenure as “challenging yet fulfilling.”
He pointed out that under his leadership, the Command accomplished significant milestones in reducing smuggling activities, enhancing trade facilitation, improving personnel welfare and inter-agency cooperation, which greatly strengthened border security and crime control,
He, however, expressed confident that Afeni will consolidate the gains and lead the Command to greater heights.