By; BAYO AKAMO, Ibadan
It was encomium galore on Tuesday as the leadership of the Oyo/Osun Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) lauded the former Officer in Charge of Operations in the Command, DSC Joseph Alajogun on his retirement from service after 35 years of meritorious service.
The retirement thanksgiving/the launching of his biography titled, “Joseph Alajogun : A Consummate Customs Officer”, held at the Jogor Centre in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, was graced by prominent Nigerians including the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi who was represented by four High Chiefs; the Onjo of Okeho, Oba Raufu Osuolale Adeitan and the Onimeko of Imeko, Oba Benjamin Oyeditan Alabi, Emeritus Professor Anthony Asiwaju; former Vice Chancellor, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye, Prof. Wale Are Olaitan; a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chieftain in Ogun State, Mr. Gboyega Isiaka, a former Commissioner in Oyo State, Barrister Lowo Obisesan and Aare Hakeem Olanrewaju, who was the chief launcher at the ceremony.
Others are the Area Controller of the Command, Mr. Elisha David Chikan, represented by Deputy Controller Bayero, who also led serving and retired customs officers to the event, while Nigerian actors and actresses such as Dele Odule, Yomi Fash Lanso, Toyin Adegbola and Femi Adebayo.
The book which highlights DSC Alajogun’s family background and early life detailing his humble
beginning, the adolescent years, career at the NCS, landmark service experiences, as a family man and what people say about him was authored by two notable journalists Kemi Olaitan and Joseph Okwuofu.
The Imeko born DSC Alajogun joined the NCS in 1982 and served in various capacities all over the country.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Onimeko of Imeko, Oba Benjamin Oyeditan Alabi described DSC Alajogun as a worthy son of Imekoland, stating that the entire community is happy that he served the country for 35 years without any blemish.
Oba Oyeditan while emphasizing and appreciating DSC Alajogun’s contributions to the development of Imeko, announced his being offered the chieftaincy title of Jagunmolu of Imeko and his wife, Alhaja Faridah Anike Alajogun, Yeye Jagunmolu of Imeko.
The Area Controller of the Oyo/Osun Command of the Nigeria Customs Service,, Mr. Elisha David Chikan, represented by Deputy Controller Bayero declared that the achievements of DSC Alajogun as a Customs Officer would continue to be remembered for a long time and that those still in the service in the command should emulate his dedication to duty.
The chief launcher , Aare Hakeem Olanrewaju while speaking described DSC Alajogun as an officer “whose relationship with human beings irrespective of status is second to none, saying 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, Dr. Oludayo Tade, of the 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 the 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.
