Special Report :  A legacy of Assiduousness By Comptroller Oramalugo, as CGC Unveils State-of-the-art Office Complex for COWA, Senior Officers Mess, Gym house at Seme Command

Special Report :  A legacy of Assiduousness By Comptroller Oramalugo, as CGC Unveils State-of-the-art Office Complex for COWA, Senior Officers Mess, Gym house at Seme Command
…Oramalugo, a Warrior with Eagle’s Eye

The Customs Area Controller of Seme Command, Comptroller Ben Oramalugo PhD, has shown a legacy of excellent performance and assiduousness in his area of responsibility, with the completion of three important projects within a period of few months, he took over the mantle of leadership at the busiest border point in the country.

The much talked-about projects include state-of-the-art Office Complex for Customs Officers Wives Association (COWA), a befitting Senior Officers’ Mess, and Gym House, all completed in a jiffy.

With these remarkable projects, coupled with revenue collection of N2.9billion from January to April 2025, 184,000 metric tons of exports valued at over N36 billion, and seizures worth N800million,
Ben Oramalugo has written in name in gold, putting excellent footprint on the service of his fatherland.

Our reporter who witnessed the official commissioning of the projects at Seme Command by the Comptroller General of Customs himself, observed that the layout of all the structures, the quality of work, interior designs and even the sophisticated equipment in the Gym house appeared classic and glossy, showing dexterity of the Area Controller.

Speaking during the epoch making event, Dr Ben Oramalugo compared the position of Area Controller at a border Command to a warrior, who must be viligant and ready to strike at all times. In deed, Oramalugo has proven to be a warrior with Eagle’s Eye, demonstrating his bravery in anti-smuggling feats recorded at Seme border.

“To be a good Area Controller of any border Command, you must be a great warrior. In Seme border, I sleep with my boots and uniforms on, so that even in my sleep, I can wake up and chase smugglers”, he said, with his voice roaring like a Lion.

Ben Oramalugo, who holds a PhD, described the commissioning of the projects as a celebration of team work, stating; “The journey to this success has been our collective effort. I have competent officers working with me at Seme Command.”

Further, Ben Oramalugo extolled the virtues of the Comptroller General of Customs, CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, especially his transformational leadership style, his commitment, impartial manner of managing the affairs of the Service by deploying officers strictly on merit of performance.

His exact words :  “Sir, your presence here is a testament to your unwavering commitment to the welfare of our officers and the progress of Nigeria Customs Service.

“Today’s event is more than unveiling of physical structures; it is a celebration of our resolved commitment to teamwork, dedication, and the shared vision of the Nigeria Customs Service under the leadership of CGC BA Adeniyi MFR, to create an enabling environment for our officers and their families. The renovated Officers’ Mess stands as a symbol of our commitment to improving the welfare and morale of our personnel, providing more conducive space for relaxation, camaraderie, and professional bonding.

“Similarly, the new COWA”s Office Complex represents our recognition of the invaluable contributions of Customs Officers’ Wives Association in supporting our officers, fostering community development and promoting the well-being of families within Seme Command.

“The journey to this moment has been one of collective effort. I must commend the officers and men of Seme Area Command for their relentless dedication to duty, which has created the foundation for these achievements. Your professionalism in revenue generation, trade facilitation, and suppression of smuggling has not only strengthened our Command, but also contributed significantly to national economic development.”

The programme took an interesting dimension when the Chairperson of COWA, Seme Command, Mrs Ben Oramalugo, made a brief but motivating speech, showing great gratitude to the CGC for his support for COWA and indigent ones in the society.

Mrs Oramalugo couldn’t hold back her emotions, as she openly professed love for her husband. In a girlish voice and beaming smile, she said in a soft tone, “Daddy, I love you,” starring directly at her Husband, Dr Ben Oramalugo.

In his remarks, CGC Adeniyi, who couldn’t also hold back from showing his likeness for Mr and Mrs Oramalugo, declared : ” As we can all see, the love between this couple is more than Bluetooth connection. It is real, functional, and has shown in the success achieved so far at Seme Command.

Speaking further, the CGC harped on
fairness, equal opportunity to all Customs officers for posting based on merit, saying; “I see myself as a product of fairness, merit and equal opportunity. My administration is based on merit because I have enjoyed the grace of the Almighty God.”

The CGC added : “It’s difficult to speak after a great historian. I don’t come anywhere near history when it comes to Dr Ben Oramalugo. So, let me take it from the angle of geography, on the strategic location of Seme since amalgamation in 1914. The first set of officers began operations from Gbaji bridge, where the Customs flag was located.

“Today, Customs processes are technology driven. We thank our Wives for standings by us to bring fresh initiatives to what we are doing in Customs”.

The CGC thanked COWA’s President, Mrs Kikelomo Adeniyi for her efforts in mobilising women across various Commands.”

Also, CGC Adeniyi revealed how he has been following the antecedents of Dr Oramalugo through Customs Duty programme on television, since he was in Kebbi State, where he received Award of excellent performance on exceptional seizure of drugs.

Dr Ben, while serving Customs in kebbi, made remarkable feats there. His track record of achievements was brought to the public and the knowledge of the CGC through Customs Duty programme. So, when the opportunity came, the CGC deployed him to Oyo/Osun Command, and currently at Seme border. Dr Oramalugo’s ability to relate well with people in his immediate environment is another quality that endears him to others.

The CGC said. “We can achieve a very good balance between fairness and merit and still keep our system running smoothly and effectively.”

Aside the special recognition in Kebbi State, Dr Oramalugo has been honoured with numerous accolades for his dedication to statutory duties and selflessness in serving the Nigerian nation. He has served Customs in various capacities with outstanding records of achievements.

The high point of the occasion was a book presentation. Dr Ben presented the second edition of his Book to CGC Adeniyi with a beautiful photo-frame. The Book with the photograph of the CGC on the cover focused on activities of Customs, the successes and challenges.

The commissioning exercise has come and gone, but the excitements, good memories and special moments will remain unforgettable on the minds of attendees.