By Harriet Tornguvan
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has honoured retiring Deputy Comptroller-General (DCG) Musa Omale, celebrating his decades of dedicated service, professionalism, and contributions to the growth and development of the Service.
The ceremony, held at the Customs Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja, brought together senior officers and members of the Service's management team who paid glowing tributes to Omale's career and enduring legacy.
Speaking during the event, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, described the retirement ceremony as an important tradition that allows the Service to recognise the achievements of outgoing officers while offering them goodwill and guidance as they transition into a new phase of life.
Adeniyi commended Omale for his intellectual depth, passion for learning, and commitment to self-development throughout his career. He noted that public servants are ultimately remembered by the impact they make and the values they uphold while in office.
"When we are in service, we leave imprints and footprints because we never know how people will make reference to them later," the Customs boss said.
He urged the retiring officer to exercise caution in future investments and engagements, advising him to avoid ventures he did not fully understand. Adeniyi also prayed for good health and continued opportunities for Omale to contribute to national development.
Also speaking, Deputy Comptroller General Timi Bomodi recalled meeting Omale 35 years ago when both officers arrived in Port Harcourt as attachés. He described the retiring officer as a man of integrity whose character remained unchanged throughout his years in service.
According to Bomodi, Omale distinguished himself through humility, reliability, and intellectual excellence, qualities that earned him the respect of colleagues across the Service.
"You have remained yourself all through. You are reliable and dependable, and your word is your bond," he said.
Director of Legal Services, Smart Akande, also praised Omale's professionalism, recalling their collaboration on prosecution matters in Port Harcourt. He described him as articulate, diligent, and cooperative, noting that his contributions were instrumental to the successful handling of several legal cases.
"I will not be surprised if he becomes a professor after retirement," Akande remarked.
Similarly, Assistant Comptroller-General Nafiu Isiaku lauded Omale's passion for learning, attention to detail, commitment to excellence, and dedication to mentoring younger officers.
Other speakers highlighted his approachable nature, discipline, and willingness to share knowledge despite attaining senior leadership positions within the Service.
Responding, Omale expressed gratitude to the Comptroller-General, members of the management team, and colleagues for the honour accorded him. He described himself as someone who approaches life calmly and steadily, attributing his interest in academia to experiences gained during the early stages of his Customs career.
The retired Deputy Comptroller-General also recalled representing a superior officer at a board meeting while still relatively young in service, describing the experience as a defining moment in his professional journey.
He pledged to remain available whenever called upon to support the Nigeria Customs Service and commended the Comptroller-General for his inclusive and listening leadership style.
The event concluded with tributes celebrating Omale's legacy of service, mentorship, and commitment to excellence, as colleagues wished him success in his post-retirement endeavours.
