The Oba of Lagos, His Royal Majesty Oba Rilwan Akiolu, has charged the Customs Area Controller of the Apapa Command, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, to uphold integrity, transparency, and national interest in the discharge of his duties.
Oba Akiolu gave the advice on Wednesday when he received Comptroller Oshoba and the Apapa Customs management team at his palace in Lagos, even as he commended the Customs chief for his leadership qualities and family background, describing him as coming “from one of the best families in Ogun State.”
He noted that the Customs job comes with immense responsibility and public goodwill, both locally and internationally, urging the Controller to be guided by honesty and fairness.
“Most importers will want you to bend the rules to favour them; but tell them the truth. Put Nigeria first. Tell them what is possible and what isn’t – they will respect you for it,” the Oba of Lagos advised.
The octogenarian reminded the Customs team that public service is temporary, encouraging them to plan for life after retirement and train their children in godly and moral ways.
“Anything you do, remember that it is temporary. Everything that goes up will come down. Our stay in this life is temporary.
“Train your children in the way of the Lord with honesty and good character. You’re not going to be in Customs forever,” Oba Akiolu remarked.
The traditional ruler, who reflected on his own experience, disclosed that despite spending over N80 million monthly to maintain the palace and meet obligations, his retirement benefit is only about N3 million. He credited his financial comfort to prudent investments made earlier in life.
“I was smart to have invested my funds several years ago, and I’m enjoying the benefits today,” he noted, adding humorously that even his brokers now try to entice him to sell shares for their own commissions.
The visit was part of Comptroller Oshoba’s ongoing courtesy engagements with key stakeholders in Lagos following his assumption of duty at the Apapa Command, the nation’s busiest maritime gateway.
In his remarks, the Apapa Customs boss, Comptroller Oshoba, noted that the nation’s premier port accounts for more than 50% of the Customs annual revenue.
Oshoba thanked Oba Akiolu for his support and guidance, stressing that the visit was specially to pay homage to the reverred royalty and to solicit more support and prayers.
