Nwabunike urges Nigerians to step up efforts, sues for harmony at Easter

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

Selflessness of Jesus Christ made manifest through His show of love, patriotism and commitments has been enunciated as worthy of emulation by Nigerians, and maritime stakeholders in particular at Easter celebrations.

Hon. Iju Tony Nwabunike, National President, Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), gave the charge in his 2021 Easter celebration message.

He called on all Nigerians especially maritime stakeholders to live life of sacrifice without expecting reward in return while also seeking forgiveness for their persecutors as exemplified in the life of Jesus Christ.

The ANLCA boss cautioned importers and agents to be patriotic in the payment of their duties and taxes and to unbundle those defaulting habbits as admonished by Jesus Christ when he charged that what is dued to Caeser be given.

“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 adds to the plurality and beauty of the entire human existence,” Nwabunike stated.

He warned that living a life devoid of trust does not in any way pay as exemplified by Judas Iscariot and the inglorious way he ended.

The resurrection of Jesus after three days in the grave he said was the demonstration of hope for mankind, therefore sued for peace, love and sincerity while shunning false declaration of goods at ports.

He said, ” I enjoined importers and agents to always pay their taxes either in the form of import duty or otherwise. It is in following 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 it’s implementation.”

On increasing unemployment in the country, he said increased compliance to rules and order will engender productivity as maritime industry still holds the ace for supporting other economic activities in the country.

“Nigeria’s Unemployment Rate which Increased to 33.3% in last quarter 2020 from 27.1% in second quarter of last year according to National Bureau of Statistics, is not irreversible. More productive employment can be generated under an atmosphere of increased compliance

“The number of persons in the economically active or working age population (15 – 64 years of age) during the reference period of Q4, 2020 was 122,049,400 out of an estimated population of over 200 million persons.

“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

“Many are active but truly not productively engaged due to possible factors like greed causing fewer persons to hold grip on common wealth while active workers are mostly underpaid.”

Nwabunike reiterated that he holds no grudges against anyone even those that have offended him, expressing that was the best way to celebrate Easter.

He therefore stated: “Like I reiterated in my new year message, I have forgiven those who hurt me in the course of my being of service to professional colleagues. For me it is the best way to celebrate this season of love, sacrifice and soul searching reflections.

“Jesus has given us examples to emulate this season and always. May God’s love and blessings reign in our lives, families, careers and association’s now and always,”