Farewell message by the outgoing public relations officer nigeria customs service ogun i command

Permit me to start with a popular saying “It’s really amazing when two strangers become the best of friends, but it’s really sad when the best of friends become two strangers”. Whatever has a beginning surely has an end and every end is a new beginning.

I was deployed to NCS Ogun Command on 28th February, 2017 and reported on 20th March, 2017 as Public Relations Officer. I diligently discharged my responsibilities to the best of my ability for over three years.

I must confess that, I really enjoyed and cherish my stay with you all, because I learnt a lot from all stakeholders and the good people of Ogun state. My brief encounter with you proved your level of maturity, intellectual disposition and hospitality.

The experience I acquired during my stay in Ogun state really exposed me more to the multiple perspectives about life in the southwest and made me more acquainted with diversity of Nigeria. It is indeed apt to agree with a popular saying that ‘our strength lies in our diversity’.

My deep heartfelt appreciation goes to my Area Controller (Comptroller Agbara Mecheal), You are indeed a team player, a leader, mentor and game changer. To my senior and fellow colleagues, you have done a great job and sometimes created scenes

I strategically amplified and manage in my capacity as the spokesperson. I am very proud of you. We all enjoyed peace, harmony and good working relationship as brothers and sisters. The memories of working with people like you will stay in me forever.

Although I was confronted with numerous crises that occurred in a spontaneous manner during my stay, my response strategy improved my capacity to absorb shocks and effectively manage complex scenarios. I am happy to say that we have been able to resolve and surmount the communication aspect of most of the issues brought on my table – To God be the glory.

To my respected colleague (my successor), I am today handing over to you a dedicated, loyal and responsible team that without any iota of doubt will accord you with the necessary support to keep the flag flying.

I am optimistic that although Ogun I Command is a case study for crisis management in Customs, you will by the grace of Allah enjoy your stay and earn requisite experience in preparation for future challenges. Your posting is meritorious and indeed round peg placed in a round hole.

It is my umpteenth pleasure to inform you that, I am redeployed as a staff of the Public Relations Unit at the Headquarters of Nigeria Customs Service, Abuja. Consequently, *ASC Hameed Oloyede* will takeover as the Public Relations Officer for the Command.

Let me conclude with a quote by Charles M. Schulz “Why can’t we get all the people together in the world that we really like and then just stay together? I guess that wouldn’t work. Someone would leave. Someone always leaves. Then we would have to say good-bye. I hate good-byes. I know what I need. I need more hellos.”

I pray that God in his infinite mercy to guide and protect all of us. Ameen.

Thank you.

Abdullahi  Maiwada  is the immediate past Public Relations Officers of  Ogun State Customs  1 Area Command, and wrote this piece as he bows out from the command