The National President of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Iju Tony Nwabunike has urged Nigerians especially those in the nation’s maritime industry to make sacrifices for common good of all, be forgiving, avoid greed, run away from act of betrayal and shun lust for earthly wealth at the detriment of common good.
Nwabunike who made this appeal in his message to mark the 2021 Easter celebration noted that Jesus had given examples for all to emulate this season and always even as he prayed God’s love and blessings reign in their lives, families, careers and association now and always.
He maintained that the resurrection power God manifested in Jesus was truly a symbol of hope that things could get better than they were yesterday adding that opportunities in the future were limitless.
According to him, “On this year’s occasion of Easter celebration, it is my sincere hope that we jointly reminisce on the import and significant of the celebration , relate it with our industry and our larger society.
“We may all not be of same faith but the Easter message appeals to all mankind irrespective of religion, race and other differences which add to the plurality and beauty of the entire human existence.
“The selflessness of Jesus Christ, showing love and commitment to all by making the supreme sacrifice without expecting reward in return while also seeking forgiveness for his persecutors , even at the point of death are indeed instructive.
“The betrayal by Judas Iscariot for wealth purpose and the inglorious way he (Judas) ended also symbolises that treachery or any form of betrayal may only look beneficial in the interim but the end is sadness and regret.
“Masterstroke of the celebration is the biblical report of Jesus’ resurrection to life after three days in death. This is the demonstration of hope for mankind.”
The ANLCA boss reiterated that for those of them in the maritime industry, this should be a time to reflect on the very strong virtues Easter celebration come with saying “let’s increase the love for ourselves and great country Nigeria.”
“Forgiveness should be freely extended amongst ourselves without being judgmental. For those of us who observed the forty days fasting that precedes Easter, it’s time to resolve not to go back to anything ungodly.
“Actions that exemplify compliance to rules like honest declarations, payment of right duty demonstrated by Jesus in tax remittance when he talked about giving to Caesar what belongs to Caesar shouldn’t depart from us”, he admonished.
He enjoined importers and agents to always pay their taxes either in the form of import duty or otherwise as he submitted that it was in following in the footsteps of Jesus.
“Sincere declarations and being law abiding will not only give the declarant and agents peace of mind; it is a way of contributing to national economic growth for common good. Importers and international traders should avoid bringing things that hurts the health of consumers or inflame society such as hard drugs, arms, ammunition and unwholesome or expired consumables.
“If we are sincere, laudable initiatives like the electronic call up system will be implemented with ease without the observed hiccups in its implementation. The maritime industry still holds the ace for supporting other economic activities and as participants in this sensitive sector, let us rise to be counted among those who improved our economy in our time”, he declared.
While reiterating that he had forgiven those who hurt him in the course of being of service to his professional colleagues, Iju Nwabunike added, “For me it is the best way to celebrate this season of love, sacrifice and soul searching reflections.”
Photo: The National President, Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Iju Tony Nwabunike.
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