No competition with govt agencies, CGC Adeniyi asserts, commission schools in Lagos State

By Adisa Olamilekan

Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), CGC Adewale Adeniyi, has firmly asserted that the organization is not in competition with any government agency.

Speaking at the schools commission ceremony, Adeniyi emphasized Customs service is not in competition with any government agency, but recognises that the communities Customs Commands are located have been a strong pillar of support and deems it fit to pay back to society.

“Will will make sure to collaborate with other sister agencies to do more for our communities,” said Adeniyi.

In the schools commissioning, Adeniyi led alongside key Senior Customs Officers and stakeholders, including His Royal Highness Oba Muhammed Maruf, the Olumakinwa of Apapa Kingdom, the Chairman of Ajeromi Ifelodun LGA, Mayor Fatai Ayeola, and Commissioner for Basic Education in Lagos State, Jamiu Ali-Balogun, among others.

He noted that the school was founded in 1960, but it has been refurbished and adequately equipped with state-of-the-art facilities to enhance teaching by the teachers and learning by the pupils.

“Tin-Can Island Port Command adopted the school and funded the project. It also gave the pupils educational materials and provided a free medical checkup for everyone at the event”, he explained.

CGC Adeniyi further said the intervention done by the Tin Can Island Port Command has provided a better learning environment for students and has ignited the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

Customs Boss stated that the target of the Service in 2025 is to directly reach out to 50,000 students by supporting them with educational items.

He further noted that the NCS had achieved part of this goal, rendering help to 12,000 students, with 5,000 of them in Lagos, including 2,000 being given items today.

He added that the Service is also targeting to impact the lives of 10 million Nigerians through various intervention programmes.

According to him, Customs will continue to touch lives in other areas such as healthcare, sports, Information Communication Technology (ICT), the creative industry, as well as support for the less privileged in society.

“Our next intervention will be to support sports development in the community. We will team up with you to see how we can develop the facilities in Maracana, as the Chairman has mentioned, he assured.

In his remarks, Zone ‘A’ Zonal Coordinator, Assistant Comptroller-General (ACG) Charles Orbih, emphasised the importance of leading impactful initiatives.

The Pioneer Controller in Charge of CSR Units, Comptroller Patience Ibrahim, noted that the gathering reaffirms the service’s enduring commitment to building a stronger relationship with the communities in which it operates.

The Host Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Frank Onyeka, appreciated partners and stakeholders who supported the noble cause.

Headmistress Christ Assembly Nursery and Primary School, Mrs Esther Ogunfuyi, expressed gratitude to the Service for its generosity and concern for education.

“It is a reflection of your belief in the potential of our pupil, your commitment to quality education and your desire to make a lasting difference.”

Adeniyi advised the pupils to take their studies seriously, adding that they can aspire to be the very best in their careers.

He charged them to make judicious use of the facilities to excel in their academics, promising to do more for the school in the future, he said.