President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended the outgoing Comptroller-General of Immigration Service (CGIS), Caroline Wura-Ola Adepoju, for exceptional service to the country.
During the pull-out parade ceremony in Abuja on Thursday, Minister of Interior Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo expressed gratitude to the retiring immigration boss for successful implementation of reforms, clearing passport backlogs, and enhancing security at border posts.
The Minister said: “On behalf of the President of Nigeria, I extend appreciation to the outgoing Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service for her outstanding contributions. She not only elevated the standards of the Service but also positively impacted millions in our society.
“Conceiving ideas is one thing, but executing them flawlessly is another. I commend you for your role in implementing the reforms we collaborated on, including clearing over 200,000 passport backlogs within two weeks.
“Additionally, the imminent launch of the command-and-control center, alongside revamped security measures at our border posts, reflects our joint commitment to enhancing national security.
“I am particularly grateful for your exemplary leadership. Throughout your tenure, not once did I encounter a crisis that required my intervention. You fostered a sense of unity within your team, treating them like family”.
Adepoju expressed gratitude to God, the President, the Minister of Interior, colleagues, and Nigerians for their support.
She praised her team, declaring them the best ever assembled by the Nigeria Immigration Service and urged support for ongoing reforms, ensuring citizens’ respite in passport acquisition.
“I extend my heartfelt gratitude to God, the President, and all stakeholders for their support throughout my tenure. It’s been an honour to lead the Nigeria Immigration Service, and I commend my dedicated team for their hard work and commitment.
“As I bid farewell, I urge my successors to continue the positive reforms we initiated for the benefit of our nation and its citizens. Under the leadership of the Minister of Interior, we have made significant strides in improving passport acquisition and enhancing border security.
“I’m confident that the incoming leadership, under Comptroller General Kemi Nana Nandap, will further advance the service and uphold its values,” Adepoju said.
Incoming Comptroller General, Kemi Nana Nandap, lauded the outgoing CGIS for her outstanding contributions, describing her tenure as marked by diligence, sacrifice, and selflessness.
Nandap said: “Today, we celebrate the remarkable career of outgoing CGIS Wura-Ola Adepoju, whose dedication and leadership have left an indelible mark on the Nigeria Immigration Service.”
The event saw attended by the Secretary of the Civil Defence, Correctional Fire and Immigration Board, Ahmed Ja’Afaru, Chairman House Committee on Interior, Ahmed Abdullahi, the Inspector General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, former Governor of Ekiti State, Kayode Fayemi, the Director Joint Service in the Ministry of Interior, Dr. Peter Egbodo, among others.