SAGAMU–When President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assumed office in May 29, 2023, one of the critical area he said needed rejig was the way Nigerians as perceived in the international world.
The image of an average Nigerian, and the country as a whole has been bastardized over time and little wonder the country travel (international) passport ranked amongst the lowest in the world.
The entry points (Land, Air or Sea) to the country has overtime been subjected to several international bashing, owing to its poor management and varying factors.
President Tinubu appointment of a certain young, but dynamic Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo was however greeted with several skepticism, especially from opposition who felt the Ministry needs an experience, grounded and diplomatic person.
Yes, pessimistic so, they may be right as the needs for a dramatic change was inevitable. Their was need for instant change of character, and results.
Slow and steady, Nigerians in and out of the country are beginning to see a turn around. The way and manner the international passport was been handled has been rijig to fit into international standards and the results is been felt by all and sundry.
Immigration officers are on top of their duties, and the hitherto manually operation has been digitalized for uptimal results, which has further shorten the delivery times.
At the recently commissioned Sagamu passport office visited by our reporter, one can attest to the fact that things can really function to standard once round holes are filled with the requires round pegs.
The Assistant Comptroller, Passport Control Officer (PCI) Sagamu Passport Office, Gbadebo Aduni, can well be described as one, who gives renewed hope of a better future for Nigeria and Nigerians.
This gentleman in uniform radiates a different specie of an average Nigerian Uniform person. His involvement in making sure everyone was satisfied, and with the quality of delivery is top notch and worthy of emulation.
Amongst Passport seekers at Sagamu that day were citizens from Lagos, Oyo and even far as Osun states. Aduni must have been this diligent, dedicated to duty overtime to have these extended ‘customers’ travelling the whole distance.
The calmness and the way other officers in Sagamu treats people is unique most especially with the hospitality of the Head.
The professionalism exhibited by the officers should be a template for other passport offices, and other security personnel and offices around the country.
The Nigeria of our dream is possible, what is needed is everyone small contributions in their zones, noticed or unnoticed, just do the right thing!
