Customs CG, Adeniyi Embarks on “Trekking” with Management Team, Graduates 81 Cadets

By DAPO OLAWUNI

The Acting Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi has led officers and men of the Service, including Members of the Management Team, Representatives of Military and Paramilitary Institutions, to the marathon route march — as part of his move to keep his men in a state of sound physical and mental fitness.

The trekking exercise, which had a theme “Work-Life Balance: Balancing For A Better Tomorrow”, commenced in the early hours of Saturday, 23 September 2023, from Customs Headquarters Wuse Zone 3 to the newly built Customs House in Maitama Area, all in Abuja — the Federal Capital Territory.

This is even as 81 Cadets of the service successfully completed their training and passed out of the Customs Training College Ikeja on Thursday last week after six months of rigorous preparation.

According to a statement by the National Public Relations Officer of Customs, Abdullahi Maiwada, the CGC’s trekking excercise is seen as one of the CGC’s strategic approach to enhance the agility of the officers and men of the Nigeria Customs Service.

Speaking after the route march, the Ag. CGC posited that the exercise is aimed at keeping officers physically and mentally fit to enable them face their constitutional duties effectively, emphasizing that “we have gathered here to launch a transformative initiative that reflects the core values of our beloved Service — the Work-Life Balance Initiative.”

He said that the physical exercise, however, attests to the Customs’ commitment to consolidate key areas of national development, knotting ties with stakeholders and embracing technological innovations.

“As officers and men, we come under lots of pressure to fulfil various obligations, and most of the time, these pressures come from our workplaces — emanating from the nature of our tasks, which are usually physically and mentally demanding; thus, the exercise will help reduce such pressure for us and enhance our productivity at work,” he said.

According to him, the Nigeria Customs Service had, over the past 15 years, established 32 clinics and medical centres all over the country to take care of the officers’ health, adding that “as we embark on this journey, it is vital to understand the essence of this initiative and why we need to flag it off.”

He motivated them to continue to engage themselves in extra exercises such as jogging, mountain hiking, dancing and all other curricular activities while also urging them to embrace the work-life balance as it will continue to improve their health and also contribute to enhancing the efficiency of the Service.

The Customs Chief also mentioned that the exercise will facilitate the unity and love between Customs officers across the federation, saying that “participating in this brisk walking exercise fosters friendship and unity and sense of shared purpose amongst us.”

The brisk walking exercise was attended by Deputy Comptroller-Generals of Customs in charge of different Units, Assistant Comptroller-Generals, and all Comptrollers down to Assistant of Customs III. Other participants who graced the ‘Walk-Life Balance’ exercise were from the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry, Nigerian Correctional Center, Immigration Service, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, and Nigeria Army.

Speaking earlier on Thursday in Lagos, the Customs boss congratulated 81 cadets of the Basic Course 1/2023 on the eve of their eagerly awaited Passing Out Parade.

The event, graced by the Acting Comptroller-General of Customs, DCGs, ACGs, as well as senior customs officers and representatives from the military and paramilitary agencies, took place at the Nigeria Customs Training College, Ikeja, Lagos, on Thursday, 21st September 2023.

Speaking at the event, the Ag. CGC commended the relentless commitment of the Commandant, DC Haniel Hadison, and his management team for upholding the values of integrity, diligence, and professionalism, thereby impacting the cadets’ lives.

He stated that the cadets should consider themselves fortunate to have DC Hadison as their commandant, who has introduced various learning architectures into the curriculum to align with recent trends, enhancing professionalism.

He said, “You should all consider yourselves fortunate to have a Commandant who made these well-packaged experiences possible.

“I would like to commend the Commandant for initiating this regimented dinner; this is the maiden edition, and I believe that future editions will be even better,” he said.

“You have undergone six months of rigorous training; this event allows you to strike a balance between official life and social networking. As you can see, we have people from all walks of life gathered here today to interact with you,” he added.

He congratulated them before their passing out parade, stating that the world could testify that they had undergone rigorous training, making them fit to become professional Customs officers.

In his remarks, the Commandant of the Training College, Deputy Comptroller Haniel Hadison, commended the cadets for their unwavering commitment and discipline displayed during their training. He explained that the purpose of the dinner night is to provide an opportunity for Commanders, Commandants, and senior officers to interact with their officers and the soon-to-be Customs Officers, discussing the intricacies of the job.

“This event also allows the college to show appreciation to stakeholders who have supported and collaborated with the institution, including past Commandants who have contributed to the school’s growth.”

The cadets expressed gratitude to the management of the Nigeria Customs Service for deeming them worthy representatives, pledging to be exemplary ambassadors of the training college and the Service. They also vowed to fulfil their duties as required diligently.