The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on Sunday said it had reduced checkpoints on the Lagos Badagry Expressway by 50 per cent, explaining that the move was to position the officers more strategically.
The Controller, Seme Area Command of the service, Comptroller Timi Bomodi, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Seme near Badagry.
According to the controller, this is something that we have identified as inimical to trade.
“When I first came here, what I did is to drastically reduce the number of checkpoints by Nigeria Customs from my command because I believe we have to deploy our men more strategically.
“There is no need to just proliferate the road with personnel without thinking of the strategic implications of their deployment.
“So, we reduced it by 50 per cent. Then placed them in particular positions that allowed them to effectively cover the sea, the road and the river.
“We have about 99 communities between Seme and Agbara and they exist on both sides of the road. Some are proximate to the road, some to the ocean while some to the river,” the controller said.
Bomodi said that these were accessed all the way to the Republic of Benin, Togo and even further.
“So, these are points of convergence for smugglers.
“Those are the points we identified and deployed our officers to and they are yielding results for us,” he said.
The controller said that he did not understand the motive behind other agencies of government operating many checkpoints on the corridor.
“We don’t know the reason why other security agencies deploy many of their men on the road.
“We don’t know if it is even effective in executing their mandate but we do know that it gives us negative feedback especially when you are discussing with people that are coming to Nigeria from other countries.
“Immediately you move from Seme into Republic of Benin, you don’t see all these happening.
“Multiple checkpoints don’t speak well of us as a country that is bent on growing local economy.
“We are trying to encourage Foreign Direct Investments. We are trying to encourage tourists to come in.
“We need to present a picture that shows how serious we are in our approach toward trade facilitation,” he said.
Bomodi said that during joint security meetings, he always advised the other security agencies to take action and ensure the corridor was free from unnecessary checkpoints. (NAN)
…Urges Transporters To Invest In Electric, CNG Powered Commercial Vehicles Operators of commercial motor cycle, otherwise known as Okada riders, have been advised to stay away from the affected eight local government areas where the ban is in force, so as to avoid arrest and criminal prosecution.
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The Commissioner of Police CP Abaniwonda Olufemi commends the DPO and men of Agbarho Police Station for their prompt response to the credible information received and he also advised members of the public to continue to trust and partner with the Police. He reiterated that police-community partnership is the best for optimal results, noting that the command is willing and ready to act promptly on credible information received to nip crime in the bud. The CP also warned residents to shun all forms of unlawful activities, noting that the command under his watch will not leave any stone unturned in fishing out criminal elements from wherever they are hibernating and ensure that they are brought to justice. For distress, complaints or information, members of the public can reach the command on the Control room number on 08036684974 or report to the nearest Police Station . 
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Addressing journalists after the service held at Asaba, Delta State, Distinguished Senator Peter Nwaoboshi also described the late monarch as a man who lived an exemplary life and a great achiever ,a man who has made contributions to his family, community, state, the country and beyond, we should extoll his virtues. Nwaoboshi described the late monarch as an accomplished Nigerian and an embodiment of knowledge and brilliance.
He was a great achiever before he ascended the throne of his forefathers as the Asagba of Asaba, and as the Asagba, he recorded more successes in making Asaba more prosperous. “Our respected monarch did very well in his 34-year reign and I encourage all of us to embrace the legacies of love, sacrifice, service and tolerance which the late Asagba of Asaba epitomised. He was an embodiment of knowledge, brilliance, respect, and excellence. He has done his own, and contributed his part, setting a good legacy for all of us to follow and be great. Always know that the talent God has given you is to be used for the benefit of his people.”
Also Speaking at the memorial service, President Bola Tinubu represented by Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, in his condolence message to the people of Asaba kingdom and Delta State, said Nigeria had lost a man of great significance and one of the foremost traditional rulers in the country.
“As an academic icon he was Nigeria’s oldest professor of Medicine and first indigenous Dean of Medicine in the University of Ibadan.”
He said: “On behalf of the government and people of Delta State, I once again condole with the family of the Asagba of Asaba, the Asagba in Council and the people of Asaba on the demise of our highly respected monarch and father.
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Deaconess (Mrs) BC Aletor is one of those very few good woman; a true woman, a woman of valour, the bringer of rain. In the gallery of great leaders and great women, she is without doubt, a rare masterpiece.
A true Mother, Wife ,friend, sister, elegant, beautiful and unblemished in the magisterial lithe and athleticism of folkloric Queen and heroine, soft-spoken, with clear, unfettered, excellent diction and oratory, her brilliant smile like sparkling sun radiating from crystal clear eyes. Deaconess (Mrs) BC Aletor is down to earth and corporate-smart, from the various experiences of home-bred grooming, ivy league sojourns in first class family of Ugbana-Umuna and the inspirational influence and unparalleled, unquantifiable tutelage from a respected parent.
A woman of immense mettle and a completely detribalized human being with a profound depth of character, whose humility, devoid of discrimination, embraces all and sundry, she soars like an eagle and exudes reverence and integrity. A pragmatic woman full of benevolence, she gives hope to the hopeless, and welfare and succor to the poor and needy. To everyone who crosses her path, she is a light. she is a friend to all, a role model to the young, a helper to many and a visionary woman bubbling with the ideals of entrenching a united, peaceful, harmonious vision for her community and the world. Honest, transparent, Dependable, uncomplicated and full of wisdom, Deaconess (Mrs) BC Aletor can change you effortlessly, with her soft spoken words.
Ada Ugbana, though even the sun will one day run out of fuel, Our love for you shall last forever. I thank God each and every day for giving us a good sister, mother like you. On your birthday, We want to thank you for being the best Sister, Mother, friend anyone could ever hope for. You are such a great role model for every woman in the world because you are so loving, caring, protective, and supportive.
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SOURCE: SPOT NEWS
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Addressing the enthusiastic crowd, the foundation’s Founder Pastor Idowu Okeze reminded the children of their crucial role as the future leaders of Nigeria. “You are the torchbearers of our nation’s future,” “It is your responsibility to build a brighter tomorrow through good behavior, dedication to your studies, and respect for one another.”
The event, organized by the Obi Joseph Okeze Foundation, was marked by a series of engaging performances, including traditional dances, poetry recitations, relays, marathon race, Igbuzor Cultural dance and a talent show that showcased the diverse talents of children. Each performance was met with thunderous applause, highlighting the vibrant culture and creativity of Nigeria’s youth.
The Founder and President of Obi Joseph Okeze Foundation, Pastor Idowu Okeze has called on government at all levels to prioritise children’s welfare in their leadership agenda. He felicitated with Nigerian children on the occasion of the 2024 Children’s Day celebration, He described them as potential future leaders and the only hope for the nation to thrive. As Obi Okeze Foundation marks another year Children’s Day celebration, it is a fitting moment to reflect on the significant contributions the foundation has made to the education landscape and the lives of those already touched by the philanthropic endeavours of Obi Joseph Okeze Foundation.
The Founder and President of Obi Joseph Okeze Foundation,Pastor Idowu Okeze is recognized for his philanthropic efforts that touch the lives of many. His commitment to giving back to the community reflects a deep-seated belief in the importance of social responsibility. Whether through educational initiatives, healthcare support, or community development projects, Pastor Okeze has consistently demonstrated his dedication to making a positive impact on society.
Apart from the foundation supporting school Children in Ibusa,Obi Joseph Okeze Foundation had also distributed school chairs and tables, instructional materials, renovated classrooms for many schools, fenced schools, scholarships, cash to mention but a few.
The Children’s Day celebration ended with a commitment from the Obi Joseph Okeze Foundation to continue supporting the educational and moral development of children in Igbuzor and beyond. “Together, we can nurture a generation that will lead with wisdom and compassion,” Okeze affirmed.The event was well attended by dignitaries like the wife of our Royal Majesty,our Mother and Queen,HRM Obi (Mrs)Agnes Nwoboshi,The Chairman of Delta State Health Insurance Scheme, Chief(Dr)Austin Obidi( Nshi-Nweze), The past local Government Chairman, Chief Innocent Esewezie and other personalities.As the children dispersed with their gifts, their faces beamed with hope and excitement for the future, embodying the very essence of Children’s Day.
