Tributes, Tears as Sulaiman Departs Seme for Apapa Command

BY FUNMI ALUKO

The Seme Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on Tuesday witnessed an unprecedented outpouring of emotions and tributes as officers, sister agencies, stakeholders, and journalists gathered to honour its Public Relations Officer (PRO), Chief Superintendent of Customs (CSC) Isah Sulaiman, in a rousing sendoff ceremony ahead of his redeployment to the Apapa Area. Command.

Held at the Officers’ Mess, the event was marked by heartfelt speeches, tears, and applause, underscoring the rare esteem in which Sulaiman is held. From military and paramilitary sector commanders to the trading community, media practitioners and Customs leadership, the hall brimmed with admiration for a man described as “an image maker per excellence” and “journalist’s delight.”

For many present, it was the first time a Command PRO received such high-level recognition, and one who by his unconscious but routine dedication to duty, and helped by his passion to serve won hearts across agencies. The ceremony, which also doubled as a retirement celebration for Deputy Comptroller Audu Samson Edime, Head of the Scanning Unit, became a blaze of glory that highlighted Sulaiman’s professionalism, humility, discipline, and commitment to duty.

The chief organizer and the Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Wale Adenuga, spoke with visible emotion, describing Sulaiman as one of the finest PROs in the Service. “I will truly miss you. You made my job easier and you embody humility. If I had my way, I would cancel your transfer and keep you here longer,” Adenuga said, drawing applause from the audience.

Senior officers representing sister agencies along the Lagos–Seme corridor praised Sulaiman’s impeccable training, dynamic touch, and bridge-building qualities. They noted his ability to foster synergy and mutual respect in inter-agency relations, qualities that will be sorely missed as he moves to Apapa.

Members of the press echoed similar sentiments, lauding his accessibility, professionalism, competence, and deep understanding of his role. “He is a journalist’s delight,” one reporter remarked, pledging continued support in his new posting.

Visibly moved and almost succumbing to emotions, Sulaiman expressed gratitude for the overwhelming show of love and respect. “This is the first time I am being celebrated in the presence of stakeholders, and it means a great deal to me,” he said. He credited Comptroller Adenuga for laying the foundation for his success at Seme and described the Command as “home,” where senior officers treated him like a younger brother and junior officers looked up to him for guidance.

He appealed for the same level of support to be extended to his successor, promising to continue serving the nation with dedication at Apapa.

The ceremony also honoured Deputy Comptroller Edime Audu Samson, who retired after years of meritorious service. Speakers described him as having “finished well,” while Dr. Nurudeen Audu of National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration Control (NAFDAC) encouraged retirees to embrace entrepreneurship and active living. Comptroller Adenuga announced plans to organise entrepreneurship lectures for officers nearing retirement, further cementing the Command’s commitment to life-after-service preparedness.

In his response, Edime expressed gratitude to God and colleagues, stating: “I have no regrets. I will use the time on my hands to do useful things.”

The send-forth was more than a farewell; it was a testament to the strong inter-agency collaboration and goodwill fostered during Sulaiman’s tenure. His departure leaves behind a legacy of professionalism, unity, and respect that will continue to inspire officers and stakeholders alike.

Obviously, the ceremony underscored the strong inter-agency collaboration and goodwill fostered during Sulaiman’s tenure at the Seme Area Command. Heads of military, security and special agencies in attendance includes Group captain Medugu, Commander 653 Special Service Group, Nigerian Air Force, Ahanvhe, Badagry; Lt. Col. AA Ikoro, Commanding Officer, Nigerian Army, 243 RECE Battalion, Ibereko, Badagry; Lt. Col. SM Lawal, Commanding Officer, Nigerian Army, 15 Field Engineers Regiment, Topo, Badagry; and Commander of Narcotic (CN) Ajoko Rita, Area Commander NDLEA, Seme Special Command, Badagry. Others are sector heads of the Nigerian Police, Federal Road Safety Corps, Nigerian Quarantine Service, and Nigerian Immigration Service.

As Sulaiman moves to the strategic Apapa Area Command, the echoes of admiration and emotion from Seme will follow him, marking his journey as one of trailblazing dedication and honour.