Emir of Daura To Confer ‘Mabuɗin Hausa’ Traditional Title On Adeniyi

BY FUNMI ALUKO

Adeniyi presenting the Service sovenoir to former President Buhari during the courtesy visit

In appreciation of his leadership strides at helping to stabilize the polity through various impactful interventions by the Nigeria Customs Service to ameliorate the current hardship amongst the nation’s vulnerable brackets, the Emir of Daura, Dr. Farouk Umar Farouk has nominated the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR for the traditional title of ‘Mabuɗin Hausa’.

The CGC and Emir of Duara, HRH Dr. Farouk in gesturing to one another in greeting, while DCG Kura watches on

Above is coming on the heel of the CGC’s visit to the royal father, yesterday Saturday 9 March 2024 in continuation of his strategic stakeholders’ engagement; and to pay him homage. His Royal Highness, the Emir of Daura, Dr. Farouk Umar Farouk, however said that the title will formally be conferred on the customs boss at a later date.

Adeniyi’s first port of call was the Daura residence of former President Muhammadu Buhari, where he expressed profound appreciation for the former president’s pivotal role in the emergence of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.

“This legislative milestone grants the NCS expanded authority to implement policies aimed at bolstering revenue generation and facilitating trade, thus contributing significantly to Nigeria’s economic growth trajectory”, he said.

During the visit, Adeniyi conveyed the purpose behind his recent expedition to the Maiadua Border in Kongolam, attributing it to President Bola Tinubu’s directive aimed at ameliorating the socio-economic challenges faced by Nigerians.

One of the Mai’adua, Kongolom Border Communities heads receiving token of appreciation from the CGC after the customs/communities engagement

He said, “I will also use this occasion to brief you on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directives that all trucks of food carrying exports across the border that were seized by Customs be returned to the traders with the hope that they would plow them back into the Nigerian markets.”

He informed the former leader that the Service is responsible for ensuring that food security becomes an integral and essential element of national power.

“I would like to assure you that we may continue to work for the peace, progress, and security of Nigeria, those key ideals that you have worked for, in all your years, in your career in the military, and what you did as president and now as a statesman.”

Responding, Buhari acknowledged the CGC’s visit, commending the NCS for its crucial role in border protection, which he said is indispensable for safeguarding national security interests.

Adeniyi’s next port of call was the palace of the Emir of Daura, which signaled the continuation of mutual respect and friendship, aimed at strengthening the longstanding partnership between the NCS and the Daura Emirate.

Reflecting on past interactions with the former Comptroller General of Customs, Dikko Inde Abdullahi, Adeniyi reaffirmed his confidence in the collective efforts of the NCS and other security agencies to combat threats to national security, including the scourge of banditry and insurgency.

In response, Emir Farouk Umar Farouk extended warm appreciation to Adeniyi for the visit, even as he pledged unwavering support for the NCS in its pursuit of nation building and excellence.

The Emir urged Adeniyi to remain resolute in his duties and to demonstrate zero tolerance for individuals undermining national security and economic stability.

In a symbolic gesture underscoring the enduring bond between the NCS and the Daura Emirate, Emir Farouk Umar Farouk honored Adeniyi with the traditional title of ‘Mabuɗin Hausa’ and pledged to confer the title formally on him in due.

Recall that the CGC and his management team also within the week visited a number of other border communities including Kongolom Border Station, also in Katsina State.

The session brought together traditional leaders, business figures, and community members of Mai’adua, where Adeniyi had a town hall like meeting with them relating to customs operations; listened to their complaints and laid out the requisite mutual understanding aimed at addressing their concerns.

The discourse primarily focused on the challenges encountered by business operators in the vicinity due to border closures. The CGC lauded the prevailing atmosphere of peaceful coexistence, emphasizing its pivotal role in mitigating security risks in the area.

“There is a profound correlation between security and economic development; without peace and security, commerce cannot flourish.”

Addressing recent seizures by Customs operatives in the area, the CGC stated that Presidential Directives mandated the return of seized food items to their owners, with the condition that they be sold within Nigerian markets.

He emphasized the crucial role played by community intelligence in ensuring adherence to regulations and enforcement measures, and expressed satisfaction with the longstanding collaboration between the Service and the residents of Mai’adua.

“By leveraging the knowledge and insights gathered from residents, authorities can effectively monitor and respond to potential violations, thus enhancing the overall effectiveness of enforcement efforts.”

He also lauded the steadfast backing provided by His Excellency, Governor Dikko Umaru Radda of Katsina State, and applauded the governor’s consistent and steadfast commitment to advancing the objectives and accomplishments of the Nigeria Customs Service.

“This unwavering support from the state government has been instrumental in facilitating the effective execution of Customs operations and initiatives within the region. Governor Radda’s collaboration and partnership with the Nigeria Customs Service reflects a shared vision for promoting security, prosperity, and development in the state and beyond.” he said.

Representing the Katsina State Governor during the meeting, the Commissioner of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Naziru Mua’azu Danmusa, extended gratitude to the CGC for his visit and lauded the Nigeria Customs Service for its efforts in safeguarding lives and property.

The engagement underscored the commitment of the Nigeria Customs Service to foster constructive dialogue and collaboration with border communities, ensuring mutual prosperity and security.

In the same vein, the Galadima of Daura, Engr Ahmad Diddiri Ahmad, and the District Head of Mai’adua commended the CGC for his visit, citing it as a testament to the productive partnership between the Service and Mai’adua’s residents.

The highpoint of the meeting was appeal by the people and residents of Mai’adua for the reopening of the Nigerian border with Niger to rejuvenate local businesses.

The CGC reiterated that the visit to these distinguished personalities serves as poignant reminders of the interconnectedness between governmental institutions and traditional authorities in fostering national cohesion, security, and progress.