Customs Renovates Another School, Gift Health Centre Under CSR Initiative

… Command & Staff College Graduates 50 Officers In Junior Course 21

BY FUNMI ALUKO

The Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, on Wednesday, 30 April 2025, commissioned a newly renovated Local Authority Primary School and a Primary Healthcare Centre in the Sagbokoji community, Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area of Lagos State, as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.

Speaking during the launch, the CGC said the Service remains committed to supporting host communities, noting that the initiative addresses both educational and infrastructural needs.

His words, “We are undertaking projects that will have direct impact on our schools and our students. We have brought school bags, exercise books, textbooks, and sandals for all the pupils of this school. We are also improving Infrastructure, where we see the deficit, and what we have chosen to do is to renovate the entire school. And I’m happy that through Apapa and the Stakeholders, we have been able to deliver on this project.”

He also emphasised the importance of healthcare to community development, which is a critical pillar of what the service is doing. “We know that the needs of this community are more than what we have done, but we have taken the first step towards entering into an enduring partnership with this community.”

The Customs Area Controller (CAC), Apapa Area Command, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, noted that the project exemplifies the Service’s commitment to community well-being, beyond its core mandates of trade facilitation, revenue generation, and anti-smuggling.

“The benevolence from Customs shows that we have compassion for the communities where we cohabit, and this was what informed this very project. In the last four weeks, it’s been both day and night, workers have been here, with the active support of our distinguished stakeholders, to ensure that this project actually see the light of day”, Olomu stated.

The CGC doling educational gifts including school bags to the school children

In his goodwill message, Chairman of Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area, Engr. Valentine Buraimoh, expressed appreciation to the NCS, describing the gesture as unprecedented. “This is the first time we are witnessing uniform men in the helm of affairs doing this project. And today, I’m highly elated for this gesture. I want to appreciate the NCS for renovating our school and the Primary Healthcare centre.”

The headmaster of LA Primary School, Oladeyo Emmanuel, also lauded the Service for its intervention, noting that the facelift would boost the morale of teachers and students alike.

The event featured the distribution of educational materials to pupils, and culminated in the official commissioning of both the school and the healthcare facility.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College (NCCSC), Gwagwalada has graduated 50 officers from Junior Course 21, after an intensive three-month training programme aimed at strengthening middle-level management capacity across the Service.

The graduation activities began with a regimental dinner on Wednesday, 30 April 2025, followed by the formal graduation ceremony on Friday, 2 May 2025, held at the College’s Ahmad Makarfi Hall.

The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, was represented at both events by Deputy Comptroller-General (DCG) Suleiman Chiroma, who oversees the Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC).

Addressing the graduates, DCG Chiroma commended their commitment and perseverance throughout the course, urging them to uphold the values of discipline, professionalism, and integrity that define the Nigeria Customs Service.

“The College has equipped you with the requisite knowledge for higher staff and command responsibilities,” he said. “Your value to the Service and your fatherland has been greatly enhanced, and you are now better prepared to contribute meaningfully to the attainment of our strategic objectives.”

The Commandant of the College, Assistant Comptroller-General (ACG) Oluyomi Adebakin, also congratulated the officers, reiterating the College’s stance on excellence and discipline.

“The Nigeria Customs Service has invested significantly in your development. You must make the most of this opportunity. The College maintains zero tolerance for indiscipline and mediocrity will not be celebrated,” she stated.

The graduation ceremony featured the presentation of certificates and the award of the Passed Junior Staff Course (PJSC) qualification to the officers. The graduates expressed gratitude for the training, noting its impact on their leadership and operational capabilities.

The newly graduated officers are expected to take on pivotal roles in driving the Service’s mission across commands and formations nationwide.