Comptroller, Nigeria Customs Service Edo/Delta , J. Kanu presenting an award to the Union through the Chairman, Okakuro Omafuaire Esq during Union’s visit on Thursday
By Ejiro Nesisa
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Warri Correspondents’ Chapel, has pledged to strengthen its partnership with the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Edo/Delta Area Command, in the collective service of humanity and national development. The commitment was made on Thursday when the Executive Committee and members of the chapel, led by its Chairman, Okakuro Akpokona Omafuaire Esq, paid a courtesy visit to the management of the Nigeria Customs Service at its office located within the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) premises in Warri, Delta State.
Speaking during the visit, the Customs Area Comptroller of the Edo/Delta Command, J. Kano, emphasized the importance of maintaining a cordial relationship with the media, describing journalists as critical stakeholders in nation-building and public service. According to her, the command remains committed to transparency, accountability, and the timely dissemination of accurate information regarding its operations and activities.
Comptroller, Nigeria Customs Service Edo/Delta , J. Kanu delivering her speech on Thursday during the visit
“The media remain critical partners in nation-building and public service. Your role in informing, educating and enlightening the public cannot be overemphasized. As a command, we recognize the importance of maintaining a cordial and professional relationship with the media,” she said.
Kano commended journalists for their contributions to the promotion of peace, security, and national development through balanced and objective reporting. She urged members of the chapel to continue upholding the highest standards of professionalism and ethics in the discharge of their duties. She further noted that the Edo/Delta Command remains dedicated to carrying out its statutory responsibilities while fostering collaboration with relevant stakeholders to achieve its mandate.
Responding to a request by the chapel for support in renewing the Wi-Fi subscription at its Press Centre, Kano assured the journalists that the command would assist within its capacity. She also pledged to work closely with the NUJ in the interest of the public, assuring that the union would be carried along in the command’s activities whenever necessary.
The Chairman, NUJ Warri Correspondents’ Chapel, Okakuro Akpokona Omafuaire, Esq delivering his speech during the visit on Thursday
Earlier, the Chairman of the Warri Correspondents’ Chapel, Okakuro Akpokona Omafuaire, Esq said the visit was aimed at introducing the newly elected executive members of the chapel to the Customs management and exploring areas of mutual cooperation.
He acknowledged the significant role of the Nigeria Customs Service in revenue generation and economic development, noting that enhanced collaboration with the media would help showcase the agency’s achievements and activities to a wider audience. “We know that the Nigeria Customs Service, Edo/Delta Command, plays a critical role in Nigeria’s economic development through revenue generation. A strong partnership with the media will undoubtedly help project its activities and contributions to the public,” he said.
Omafuaire disclosed that through the support of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, the chapel now has a befitting Press Centre located on Eburu Street, Okumagba Layout, Warri. He added that several organizations had continued to support the chapel and appealed to the Customs Service to join other stakeholders in assisting the union.
Some top Management staff of Nigeria Customs Edo/Delta during the visit on Thursday
Specifically, he appealed to the command to assist in renewing the chapel’s expired Wi-Fi subscription to enable journalists carry out their information dissemination responsibilities more effectively. The NUJ chairman expressed appreciation to the management of the Edo/Delta Command for the warm reception accorded members of the chapel and assured the Customs Service of the union’s continued support in promoting its activities and achievements.
The visit featured an interactive session between officials of the Nigeria Customs Service and members of the chapel on ways to enhance information dissemination and strengthen collaboration for the benefit of the public and presentation of award by J. Kanu to the Union through the Chairman, Okakuro Omafuaire amidst cheers.