National President of Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) Hon. Iju Tony Nwabunike has enjoined members of his association and other freight forwarders doing business in the Nigerian ports to embrace the lesions of Easter.
A celebration by Christians to mark the redemption of the sins of the world by Jesus Christ who offered Himself to be sacrificed on the Cross of Calvary over 2000 years ago, so that the sinners will not die but have eternal life.
Nwabunike who made the call in his special Easter message to the Nigerian maritime community on Friday, tasked the freight forwarders to forgive one another their sins and equally resolve to sin again against God, neighbour or country.
“On this year’s occasion of Easter celebration, it is my sincere hope that we jointly reminisce on the import and significance of the celebration, relate it with our industry and our larger society.
“We may all not be of the 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.
“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.”
He said the resurrection of Christ after three days in the grave is a demonstration of hope for mankind.
“For those of us in the maritime industry, this should be a time to reflect on the very strong virtues Easter celebration brings with. 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 should not depart from us.
“I enjoin importers and agents to always pay their taxes either in the form of import duty or otherwise. It is in following in the footsteps of Jesus.”
Hon Nwabunike said 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.
He tasked importers and international traders to avoid bringing things that hurt the health of consumers or inflame society such as hard drugs, arms, ammunition and unwholesome or expired consumables.
According to him, if port users are sincere, laudable initiatives like the electronic call up system will be implemented with ease without the observed hiccups in its implementation
“Jesus has given us examples to emulate this season and always. May God’s love and blessings reign in our lives, families, careers and associations now and always.
“The resurrection power God manifested in Jesus is truly a symbol of hope that things can get better than they were yesterday and opportunities in our future are limitless.
“Let’s make sacrifices for the common good, be forgiving, avoid greed, run away from acts of betrayal and shun lust for earthly wealth at the detriment of common good,” he said.
