Funmi Olaitan, Ibadan
The leadership of the Oyo/Osun Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), has lauded former Officer in Charge of Operations in the Command, DSC Joseph Alajogun, who retired from service after 35 years of meritorious service.
The commendation was given at a retirement thanksgiving held by Alajogun in Ibadan, Oyo State capital, which he also used to launch his biography.
Venue of the event was filled to the brim with dignitaries from across all sectors within and outside the country in attendance to honour the retired enforcement officer.
Alajogun joined NCS in 1982 and served in various capacities all over the country.
Aside celebrating his exit from NCS, the occasion also provided an avenue to launch his biography titled, "Joseph Alajogun: A Consummate Customs Officer", a book that highlights his family background and early life detailing his humble beginning, the adolescent years, career at NCS, landmark service experiences, as a family man and what people say about him, authored by Kemi Olaitan and Joseph Okwuofu.
Leading traditional rulers to the event was Alaafin of Oyo, Mr Lamidi Adeyemi, represented by four High Chiefs; Onjo of Okeho, Mr Raufu Osuolale Adeitan and Onimeko of Imeko, Mr Benjamin Oyeditan Alabi.
Also in attendance were Emeritus Professor Anthony Asiwaju; former Vice Chancellor and professor of political science, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye, Mr Wale Are Olaitan; a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain in Ogun State, Mr. Gboyega Isiaka, a former Commissioner in Oyo State, Mr Lowo Obisesan and Mr Hakeem Olanrewaju, who was the chief launcher at the ceremony.
Area Controller of the command, Mr. Elisha David Chikan, represented by Deputy Controller Bayero, led serving and retired customs officers to the event, while Nigerian actors and actresses that include Dele Odule, Yomi Fash Lanso, Toyin Adegbola and Femi Adebayo, were also present.
The Onimeko described the celebrant as a worthy son of Imekoland, stating that the entire community is happy that he served the country for 35 years without any blemish.
While appreciating his contributions to the development of Imeko, the royal father offered him the chieftaincy title of Jagunmolu of Imeko and his wife, Mrs Faridah Anike Alajogun, Yeye Jagunmolu of Imeko.
Bayero while speaking on behalf of the command, said the achievements of Alajogun as a Customs Officer would continue to be remembered for a long time, charging those still in the service in the command to emulate his dedication to duty.
The chief launcher on his part, described him as an officer whose relationship with human beings irrespective of status is second to none, noting that he can afford to sleep without food so that those who do not have can eat.
And from former colleagues and subordinates, the goodwill came in torrents such that the celebrant became cynosure of all eyes at the colourful event.
Reviewing the book, the reviewer, Mr Oludayo Tade, of Department of Sociology, University of Ibadan, described the book as a chronicle of the life of the celebrant, which he said could inspire officers and men of NCS.
Before the launching of the book, men of God from Jah Jehovah Jireh & C & S Church, Challenge, Ibadan, officiated the thanksgiving service and also prayed for Alajogun, his wife, children, Tomiwa and Omobosola and his entire household.
