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BY

BOLAJI AFOLABI

Conscious of the dynamism of life, many academic institutions purposely seek initiatives towards improvement.Through the deepening of Guidance and Counseling, (G & C), in secondary schools, it helps the academic performances of students by exploring their interests towards making informed decisions on career aspirations, enhancing social skills, and personal growth. Cognisant of its imperatives in guiding, shaping their present, and future academic and career paths, most public and private schools have effective and efficient G & C departments. To underscore the priority placed on it, schools proprietors and operators start from the primary section. Manned by trained professionals and educationists, the positive impacts of G & C are reflective in the awareness, enlightenment and informative status of many youths about career choices. Indeed, it is always heart warming to see children, who are still at different formative years passionately discussing their respective choices of future courses and careers.

However, for those who attended secondary school in the ’80s, and early ’90s, it was a different experience. Back then, the scope, objectives, and dimensions of G & C were inherently different from what it is today. The operational methods, delivery, and impacts can be described as mechanical, and limiting. Worse off, many schools don’t have G & C as a result of straightjacket curriculum, narrow-mindedness, and flawed understanding of the nexus between academic pursuits, career choices, and personal growth. Though a few schools had “G & C Masters,” many students were as confused as their “counsellors” about the need for all-inclusive guardianship. Many students had to rely on the advice of teachers, older siblings, relations, and other seniors in their choices of courses; which ultimately determined career paths. Through providence, a few got it right, but many settled for courses, and careers that were outside their natural flair.

Hussein Kehinde Ejibunu, the subject of this piece had a similar experience, as was common with others who were in different secondary schools in the years mentioned above. Though he had already picked a career, based on the advice of a few older people around him, he made a switch, and settled for something different. Deputy Corp Marshal Oladele Clement, a friend of Ejibunu said, “as Advanced Levels students at the Kwara State College of Technology in Ilorin, we were all desirous to pursue careers that seemed glamorous. But we were surprised when he told a few of us that he had resolved to pursue a career in the Customs regardless of the course he studies (later) in the university.” As fate would have it, Ejibunu, after graduating from the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, with a Bachelor’s degree in Library Science in 1988, was posted to Katsina State, Bakori precisely for the mandatory one-year NYSC programme.

While in Katsina, to a large extent, Ejibunu practically amplified the timeless counsel of the award-winning computer scientist, Alan Kay that, “the best way to predict the future is to create it,” in his thought processes, and psychological make up. For him, being posted to Bakori, which has the presence of a few Nigerian Customs Service, (NCS), personnel was a confirmation of his choice of career. Also, it afforded him the opportunity to observe the work ethics, and basic information about the NCS. Without divulging his intentions, through interaction, and relationships with the personnel, he gathered enough details which did not only solve a few puzzles, but prepared him for the career.

Upon completion of his national service, there was a prolonged wait in the desire to accomplish his career aspirations. In the process, he got offers of employment in a few establishments in the private sector, and public service. As expected, he drew the ire, and criticisms of some people for rejecting job offers that many young graduates desired. Unknown to them, Ejibunu’s stance aptly confirms the advisory of an academic, and author, Lee Bolman that, “a vision without a strategy remains an illusion.” Not minding the sidetalks, comments, and worries by concerned family members, friends, and colleagues, he was resolutely focussed, and passionately determined as he envisioned his NCS career. A long-standing friend, and former Deputy Governorship candidate, Hon. Ade-Ralph Olamife revealed that, “Kenny’s desire to join the NCS was unequivocal, and he was not apologetic about his stance. Back then, he was so serious about his conviction that he said it was either the NCS or nothing.”

Reward for the persistent resolve towards the birth of Ejibunu’s career aspirations came a few years later, as he, and some other young graduates were selected to join the NCS. After months of rigorous physical, academic, and intelligence exercises at the NCS Training school Ikeja, he formally joined the NCS as a commissioned officer in the early ’90s. Having emerged as one of the top performers at the training programmes, some of the commanding, and directing officers postulated that he would have a fruitful career. A retired senior officer who pleaded anonymity confessed that, “while at the training school, he carried out every task, and assignment with poise, and perfection. His desire to learn, and assimilate swiftly stood him out.” Another retired officer who was an instructor declared that, “he exhibited the traits of leadership while there. Though bold and courageous, he respected the authorities by adhering to every rule and regulations. Many of us knew that he would have a fruitful, and progressive career.”

True to projections, Ejibunu’s diligence, and commitment to duties became noticeable, early in his career. By 2004, he was rewarded with automatic promotion from the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Customs, (DSC), to Superintendent of Customs, (SC). From empirical studies, the feat remains one of the fastest elevations in the NCS. Thereafter, Ejibunu’s passion for hard work, and commitment to the realization of objectives became glaring in and around the NCS. His zeal, and inimitable spirit to thrive, and record successes at every assignment and posting caught the attention of his superiors, and became sources of inspiration to junior colleagues. From the tricky, tough borderlines of the North, to the aquatic flanks of the South South, and the bustling corridors of the South West, his trails, and triumphs of excellence were everywhere. His strings of remarkable achievements, and unwavering contributions to the NCS were rewarded with recognitions, and elevations as and when due.

Promoted Comptroller of Customs, (CC), in 2023, Ejibunu operated under strict adherence to the values and visions of the NCS. At every command and assignments, he was deliberate and intentional in surpassing the expectations of his superiors, and the objectives of the NCS. The leadership, impressed and encouraged by his sterling performances posted him to the Federal Operations Unit, (FOU), Zone “A” as the Controller in 2021. With its operational offices in Lagos, the FOU “A” is described as one of the strategic commands of the NCS. It was no mean feat to supervise a command that has international borders, busiest airports in Nigeria, and West Africa, and the second largest seaport in the country. Aware of the huge tasks, and the need to justify the trust invested in him by the leadership, Ejibunu rolled up his sleeves, wore battle-ready boots, and literally played out the words of legendary Plato that, “the resourceful man is one who is always one step ahead of the game.” True, he was miles ahead in strategy and operations.

As the Head, Ejibunu demonstrated astute leadership anchored on fairness, discipline, hard work, tenacity, and perseverance. Under him, the Unit made significant contributions to national security by safeguarding borders from illegal activities including the entry of prohibited goods, and other nefarious acts; promoted trade facilitation by implementing every fiscal and trade policies enunciated by the federal government; boosted revenue generation and recoveries to the federal government; and stimulated Nigeria’s economic growth and development through the administration of Customs laws. From records, the Unit recorded Duty Paid Value, (DPV) of Forty Billion Naira from numerous seizures including illicit drugs, petroleum products, wildlife, and exotic vehicles. More importantly, he ensured that the lives of his officers and men were protected while discharging their legitimate responsibilities.

Following his promotion to the rank of Assistant Comptroller-General, ACG in 2024, by President Bola Tinubu, Ejibunu was deployed to the headquarters as the ACG Finance, Administration, and Special Duties. Realizing the need to tap his vast knowledge and experiences in operational matters, he was also appointed the National Coordinator, Operational Whirlwind, formed in May 2024 by the Office of the National Security Adviser, ONSA, and the NCS to combat smuggling of petroleum products, and diversions across the country’s borders. Just as a goldfish that has no hiding place, Ejibunu continued from where he stopped at his previous command. His operational fecundity, intelligent acumen, and organizational dexterity impacted positively on the activities of Operation Whirlwind. The special unit made significant strides across the country, including DPV of over Two Billion Naira; seizures of PMS, and other products.

Many stakeholders in the maritime, shipping, oil and gas, and other related sectors have severally described Operation Whirlwind as one of the undisputed success-story of the CGC Adeniyi management. At the 2024 CGC Conference which was held in Abuja, Ejibunu won an Award for Excellence in combating fuel smuggling, and preventing the diversion of other petroleum products. At the epochal event, Engineer Farouk Ahmed, Managing Director of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Products Regulatory Authority, (NMDPPRA) disclosed that, “the special operations of the NCS codenamed Operation Whirlwind has achieved consistent reduction in monthly consumption figures.” Continuing, Ahmed, represented by Mr. Ukoha Ogbugo declared that, “we commend the NCS for stopping the trend of product diversion by economic saboteurs.”

As Ejibunu joins the Diamond Club, and happily exits the NCS, and Nigeria’s public service, it is imperative to reiterate that in his unblemished career, he emerged as a quintessential interdictor whose footprints are visible across the country. His legacy of service will continue to be an enduring inspiration, and compass for those behind. Described as an officer that exemplified integrity, discipline, and patriotism, Ejibunu’s drive for excellence led to numerous record-setting achievements in NCS formations, and commands across the country. He was a winner of numerous awards and recognitions for pragmatic leadership, career mentorship, and community development from various institutions, associations, and other stakeholders. Ejibunu, who is from Kabba in Kogi state, aside having a Master’s degree in Public Administration, attended numerous Customs related courses within and outside Nigeria. He is blessed with a wife, and adorable children.

* BOLAJI AFOLABI, a Development Communications specialist was with the Office of Public Affairs, The Presidency, Abuja.