The Immigration Attachee of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to Cote d’Ivoire, Ambassador Robert Terlumun Akpenpuun has been promoted to the position of Assistant Comptroller of Immigration, ACI.
Akpenpuun, a former Nigeria Football Federation, NFF Protocol Officer, who was very instrumental to the success of the football house winning many trophies, including the Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON in 2013 was promoted for hardwork and dedication to work.
The hardworking officer and son of Tiv Nation, Benue State has worked with the Service for over two decades, gaining valuable exposure and experience that has seen him excel in all the positions he has headed including very critical areas of the Service’s operations.
Meanwhile, the production and collection of passports at the Embassy has improved tremendously because of the unwavering commitment, vibrancy and dedication to duties, and positive energy impacted on the staff by the Immigration Attachee.
Some of the Nigerian residents in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire who heard the news said they are very happy for him and that he deserves it because of the ways he handles their affairs especially passports and visas.
Mr. Gbenga who went to the Nigerian Embassy to produce his passport said he was impressed with the way he was welcomed and the advice given to him by the Attachee on the need to also get Nigerian passport for his son, who was born in Cote d’Ivoire, so as to visit home and not forget his heritage.
Mrs Blessing also added, “We have never had this so good. I have been in this country for the past 15 years but we have never gotten our passports so fast like this. Unlike before when they will tell you to come tomorrow, come next week, just to capture let alone collect your passport. Sometimes, they will tell you that they don’t have materials to print but all those excuses seem to have disappeared. We hope this new development will be sustained.”
Mr. Akpenpuun’s love for his countrymen extends beyond the Embassy as he has helped so many Nigerians who were either trafficked or stranded in Cote d’Ivoire.
The energetic Diplomat’s goodwills are uncountable, he has displayed exemplary strides as a good representative of the Federal Government in his own little capacity in improving the lives of Nigerians in Cote d’Ivoire ever since he assumed office. He is always showing concerns, trying to advise Nigerians residing in Cote d’Ivoire against crimes and ensuring that they are safe wherever they are, not also forgetting the countless times that he has given financial assistance to so many vulnerable and downtrodden in the society.
His concern for his people was displayed recently when he spearheaded the rescue of Tiv girls trafficked to Abidjan for prostitution, and the safe reparation back to Benue State, Nigeria. He has also contributed massively to the welfare of many Nigerians who turn up at his office for assistance exhibiting the character of a good ambassador of the country.
Mrs Blessing believes that the promotion of Amb. Akpenpuun to Assistant Comptroller of the NIS will bring out the best out of him.
“Before his elevation, he was very passionate and dedicated to work, and with this promotion, he will be spurred and motivated not only to raise the standard of the Nigeria Immigration Service’s operations but to take it to the height it is yet to attained since its existence in Cote d’Ivoire.”
