Customs CG, Adeniyi Promises to Convert Popular Maracana Stadium in Ajegunle into School Sports Ground

—Commissions Renovated School by Tin Can Command Under CSR Project

—Sets to Build ‘Customs University’ in Badagry

By DAPO OLAWUNI

The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has formally adopted a public school as part of the Nigeria Customs Service’s (NCS) sweeping Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, assuring pupils of sustained support in education, health, and youth development.

This commitment was highlighted during the commissioning of the renovated Christ Assembly Nursery and Primary School in the Ajeromi Ifelodun area of Lagos on Thursday, a project spearheaded by the Tin Can Island Customs command unde the leadership of Compt Frank Onyeka.

Addressing excited pupils during the handover ceremony, Adeniyi underscored the value of education and diligence as critical pillars for future success.

Reflecting on his own journey, he stated, “Education is life-changing. I started just like you, and with God’s help, education charted the course for my rise.”

He praised the school principal for past excellence and urged students to maximize the improved learning facilities.

The CGC highlighted the transformation of the once-dilapidated school, now revitalized with better infrastructure, thanks to Customs’ commitment to improving learning conditions. Under its CSR blueprint, the NCS aims to empower 50,000 pupils nationwide with school kits by 2025, having already reached 10,000, including 3,000 from Lagos.

Adeniyi also unveiled plans to convert the nearby Maracana Stadium into a school sports ground, teaming up with the Ajeromi Ifelodun LCDA to explore contributions.

He further revealed that the Customs University of Trade, Commerce, and Technology will be located in Badagry, with 50 hectares of land already approved by Governor Sanwo-Olu and funding secured from the National Assembly.

Adeniyi explained that the Customs CSR leverages life-changing interventions such as education, healthcare, sporting, creative industrialist/ITC, and water initiatives.

He emphasized that the service would not only be known for revenue generation but also for improving the lives of the people as part of its CSR in the country.

He promised to enhance community well-being and foster sustainable development, ultimately making a positive impact on the lives of those they serve.

“Our CSR target in 2025 is to directly reach out to 50,000 students across the country with writing tools, bags, school uniform, pencils, biro, eraser, sharpener, raincoat, among other things.

“We have donated writing materials to 10,000 children, so we are going to reach out to school pupils in other parts of the country. We have budgeted health delivery for 10,000 Nigerians in 2025. What we are doing is in line with our CSR; all our communities where we serve remain strong pillars, that is why we will continue our support for them.”

He commended Comptroller Frank Onyeka, Customs Area Controller, Tin Can Island Command, and his team for the successful delivery of the school renovation project. The Comptroller-General also acknowledged the support from Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, thanking him for the 50 hectares of land in Badagry for the construction of the Customs University.

Adeniyi shared his personal connection to education, noting his own journey from Modakeke High School and attributing his success to education as a roadmap. He highlighted the impact of education in areas like Ajegunle, mentioning that the Lagos State Commissioner for Universal Basic Education, Ali-Balogun, also attended school from the area.

“We started Customs CSR at Sagbokoji Primary School, a riverine community under Amuwo Odofin Local Government, and now we are in Ajeromi Ifelodun area of Lagos.
The picture allows you to appreciate the depth of Customs intervention. We are happy that our intervention has brought a conducive environment and also the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.”

In his welcome address, the Zonal Coordinator Zone ‘A’, Assistant Comptroller General of Customs, Charles Orbih, stated that the commissioning marked a beginning of a transformative journey that would leave lasting footprints in their host communities.

Orbih commended Adeniyi’s exemplary leadership, which consistently demonstrates that a modern customs service should excel not only in revenue generation, trade facilitation, and border security but also in community development.

Mbwidiffu Ibrahim, the Customs Comptroller in Charge of Corporate Social Responsibility, emphasized that the CSR initiative aims to bridge the gap between the service and society, reinforcing that Customs is not just a government institution.

Goodwill messages poured in from community leaders. Mr. Paul Adeboye, a member of the Ajeromi Ifelodun Federal House of Representatives, commended Customs for setting an example, urging other agencies to emulate their gesture.

His Royal Majesty, Oba Muhammed Maruf, the Olumakinwa of Apapa Kingdom, praised Customs for being the first government agency to extend CSR to a primary school in Ajeromi Ifelodun, urging the school authority to create a maintenance section for the renovated buildings.

The Chairman of Ajeromi Ifelodun LCDA, Mr. Fatai Ayoola, expressed appreciation for Customs’ support for the young children who represent future leaders. He noted the large number of schools in the community and mentioned the council’s ongoing construction of the Maracana Stadium, alongside efforts to engage youth through sporting and vocational skills.

The Headmistress of Christ Assembly Nursery and Primary School, Ajegunle, Mrs. Easter Ogunseyi, conveyed her gratitude for the school’s renovation. Ogunseyi stated that the renovation would enable them to teach the children in a more conducive environment, reminding everyone that the school was once recognized as the best school in Nigeria in 2013.