By Amina Ojelabi
The Association of West African Exporters and Maritime Professionals (AWAEMAP) on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, hosted a grand Farewell Dinner in honour of the former Customs Area Controller, Lilypond Export Command, Comptroller Ajibola Odusanya (Rtd.), celebrating his distinguished service and contributions to Nigeria’s export sector.
The event, held at the Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, brought together senior Customs officers, exporters, maritime professionals, and trade stakeholders for an evening of appreciation, reflection, and camaraderie.
In his goodwill remarks, the current Controller of Lilypond Export Command, Comptroller S. O. Ariyibi, commended AWAEMAP for its continued partnership with the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and reaffirmed his commitment to building on Odusanya’s legacy of facilitation and stakeholder engagement.
“Anything that hinders export is what the government does not want,” he said. “I will do all within my capacity to support exporters and sustain a seamless operational environment.”
Responding, Comptroller Odusanya (Rtd.) expressed deep gratitude to AWAEMAP for its collaboration during his tenure, lauding the association’s role in promoting export trade and economic growth. He traced the evolution of Lilypond Export Command as a “one-stop export hub,” a vision initiated by Comptroller Mohammed Babandede, the pioneer Controller, and sustained through successive leadership.
The Area Commander of NDLEA Lilypond Command, Mr. Adewunmi Augustine, also delivered a goodwill message, commending the strong synergy between security agencies and the export community.
In his remarks, AWAEMAP President, Hon. Olumekun Olubunmi, highlighted the association’s milestones and acknowledged Odusanya’s remarkable leadership and support for exporters.
Echoing the sentiment, Chairman of AWAEMAP’s Board of Trustees (BOT), Alhaji Nofiu, described the retired Comptroller’s tenure as one defined by innovation, collaboration, and measurable achievements in trade facilitation.
Delivering the vote of thanks, AWAEMAP Vice President, Alhaji Raheem, expressed appreciation to the Comptroller, Customs officials, and members present, pledging the association’s continued cooperation with the new Controller for sustained progress.
The well-attended event was graced by top Customs officials, exporters, and key stakeholders from the maritime and logistics sectors all united in celebrating a leader whose career embodied integrity, service, and partnership.
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