CUSTOMS CGC, ADENIYI, RENOVATES AND ADOPTS SCHOOL IN LAGOS

 

By Ambrose Obioma Okehi (News Emperor)

The Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, has renovated and commissioned Christ Assembly Nursery and Primary School, located in Olodi Apapa, under Araromi Ifelodun Local Government Area of Lagos State. The Nigeria Customs Service did not stop there; the CGC also promised the school's management and staff that the service has adopted the school and will continue to take care of it.

This adoption is part of the Nigeria Customs Service's (NCS) Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, which aligns with President Ahmed Bola Tinubu's renewed hope agenda. The CGC assured the pupils and management of sustained support in education, health, and youth development. Additionally, he promised to take the popular Marakana Mini stadium in Ajagunle under his wing to ensure youth development and engagement.

The Customs boss stated this while commissioning newly renovated Christ Assembly  Nursery and Primary school, Araromi in Ifeledum Local Government Area of Lagos State on Thursday July 2025.

Speaking at the well-attended commissioning ceremony, the  CGC Adeniyi emphasized the value of education and diligence as critical pillars for future success. He urged the pupils to be serious with their studies, drawing from his personal journey in life, from primary school to the pinnacle of his career. "Education is power," he stated. "I started just like you, and with God's help, education charted the course for my rise."

The CGC praised the school's Headmistress, Mrs. Esther Ogunfuyi, for her good work and the school's excellent performance. He urged the students to maximize the improved learning facilities made possible by the intervention. The transformation of the once-dilapidated school, now revitalized with better infrastructure, is a testament to Customs' commitment to improving learning conditions.

Speaking about the whole initiative by the Nigeria Customs Service, he pointed out that under its CSR blueprint, the NCS aims to empower 50,000 pupils nationwide with school kits by 2025, having already reached 10,000. The Tin Can Island Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, led by Comptroller Frank Onyeka, played a significant role in this initiative.

Full of appreciation and thanks, the Headmistress of Christ Assembly Nursery and Primary School, Mrs. Esther Ogunfuyi, expressed her excitement and appreciation for the school's selection. She thanked the management of the Nigeria Customs Service, led by CGC Adeniyi, saying, "This transformation is more than just new walls, fresh paint, or improved facilities. It is a reflection of your belief in the potential of our pupils, your commitment to quality education, and your desire to make a lasting difference."

However, the Comptroller General of Customs and the Tin Can Island Command have demonstrated their commitment to education and youth development through this initiative. As the NCS continues to implement its CSR blueprint, it is hoped that more schools will benefit from this kind of support. 

News Emperor gathered that the project was funded by Tin Can Island Port Command in collaboration with the NCS Headquarters.

Adeniyi 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 highlighted that the NCS had achieved part of this goal with help already rendered to 12,000 students; with 5,000 of them in Lagos, including 2,000 presented with items today.

He added that the service is also targeting to impact the lives of

10 million Nigerian through various intervention programmes.

His words: “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.

“The Customs is not in competition with any government agency, but recognises that the communities Customs Commands are located has been a strong pillar of support and we deem it fit to pay back to the society. Will will make sure to collaborate with other sister agencies to do more for our communities”.

On his part, the Customs Area Controller (CAC) of Tin Can Command, Comptroller Frank Onyeka thanked the CGC for the opportunity to serve and be a part of the laudable initiative. He also appreciated stakeholders of the Command, for their support and partnership on the project.

Speaking earlier, the Olu Iwa of Apapa Kingdom, HRM, Oba Moroof Oyekunle Oluwa had commended Customs for the CSR initiative, and called on other government agencies operating in the area, particularly the Nigerian Port’s Authority (NPA) to also contribute to the growth of the community.

Similarly, the Federal Representative for Ajeromi/Ifelodun Constituency,

Kalejaiye Adeboye Paul appreciated Customs and implored other agencies to emulate the NCS. He stated that the facility will be well utilised for the benefit of the pupils and community.

Also, the Lagos State Commissioner of Education, Tolani Ali-Balogun appreciated Customs for the project, adding that it is a leverage to what the state government is doing in the educational sector. 

He therefore promised that the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) in the state will ensure proper maintenance of the project, he charged parents and community leaders to contribute their quota to its sustainability.

The outgoing Chairman, Ajeromi-Ifelodun LGA, Fatai Ayoola thanked Customs for brining succour to the community and ameliorating the sufferings of the people, saying “It is the first time we are seeing this kind of developmental support in our community”.

The Educational Secretary, Ajeromi-Ifelodun LGA, Barr. Remi-Williams Abiola who also shared the Chairman’s sentiment, described the project as unique.