A leading customs-bonded terminal/warehouse, Belburge International Limited, has celebrated its first anniversary in grand style, reiterating its commitment to contributing positively to the nation’s economy and providing opportunities for youths in the country.
The event, which took place at the firm’s premises in Aleto, Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State, was attended by dignitaries, partners, clients, friends, and business associates of the Managing Director, Dr Nwagbo Barnabas.
In his remarks, Barnabas emphasized the importance of partnership with the Nigerian Customs Service, stakeholders in the industry, and other clients in the growth of the firm.
He said, “We have a cordial relationship with Customs because we are compliant with the system, and we are a law-abiding firm. Also, for our clients, they are the reason why we are here today. Because it is with them that we can count this milestone.”
Barnabas also commended the Controller, Customs Area 2 Command, Onne, Comptroller Mohammed Babandede, for his exceptional leadership and contributions to the nation’s economy.
He said, “Comptroller Babandede has been a wonderful and exceptional leader. His performance since taking over the helms of affairs at the Onne Port has been awesome. He has improved and facilitated trade here, also contributing a lot to the nation’s economy, generating over N630 billion to the government’s coffers in his few months in charge here. He is just one of the best.”
The Managing Director, who is also the CEO of Roseluxe Hotel Limited and Irish Home Limited (a real estate firm), advised youths in the country to engage themselves in meaningful activities, think big, and be intentional in their pursuit of success.
He said, “It’s a pity that some youths today no longer have the zeal to work for a better future; they will rather wait for the government to come and give them money or engage in vices to make a living. On a scale of three, small, medium, and large, all they need is ideas and not just money. When you have the ideas and they are cultivated, continue to nurture them, and the ideas will start attracting money.
So, I advise the youths to stop being idols or keep waiting for the government or who to help them; they should find something to do, think big, dream big, and always be intentional.”
Also speaking at the event, the Customs Controller, Area 2 Command of the Nigerian Customs Service in Onne, Comptroller Mohammed Babandede, represented by Assistant Controller of Customs, Nwosu Edwin, commended the MD, Barnabas, for his laudable legacies at Belburge International Limited, especially in the area of youth empowerment and employment.
He urged other youths in the state and country to emulate the likes of Nwagbo in making an impact on society.
He said, “I represent the federal government here. I want other youths to emulate Amb. Barnabas. He is a model for the youth. They don’t need to stay at home and expect miracles to fall from heaven. Everyone needs to make a trial. The Belburge CEO started somewhere; he didn’t just stand up overnight and get to this level; he has been up and doing. So, I am charging the youths to be engaging themselves in something that will build value rather than engaging themselves in crime and things that will cause problems in society.”
On her part, Mrs Susan Izundu, a Principal Standard Officer and representative of the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON), described the event as a testament to hard work. She encouraged the MD and the management of the firm to keep being positive, improving lives through better services and creating more jobs and opportunities for the youths.
Also, the firm’s Head of Business Development, Human Resources, and Administration, Elizabeth Nwadiuto Nwachuchuku, who was honoured for outstanding performance with an award of excellence, described the anniversary as a celebration of success and positivity for Belburge International Limited.
“This event today remains one of the best things this year. We are here celebrating today because there was a success in the company; we recorded more positivity. Though there were some challenges, God was in total control,” she said.