By Hannah Tedunjaye
Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Bashir Adewale Adeniyi has commended the Lilypond Export Command of the service and reiterated his leadership commitment to supporting the society through corporate social responsibility initiatives
Speaking at the commissioning of renovated and upgraded facilities at Methodist Primary School , Ibeshe – Ikorodu in Lagos, as part of the service CSR initiatives which aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Adeniyi described education as a bedrock of building a better society
Adeniyi said the project which was initiated by the Lilypond Export Command of the Service was executed in fulfillment of the Service’s commitment to undertake impactful community-based interventions across the country.
According to him, the project began after the former Area Controller of the Command, Ajibola Odusanya (rtd) sought guidance on selecting a suitable intervention for the community. He explained that emphasis was placed on projects capable of delivering direct community impact.
Initially conceived as the renovation of a dilapidated classroom block, the scope of the project was later expanded to cover additional buildings and eventually the repainting and general upgrade of the entire school premises.
The Customs boss commended the vision of the Odusanya and his team for broadening the scope of the intervention to ensure a more meaningful impact on the school and the surrounding community.
While expressing satisfaction with the outcome, the CGC described the choice of the school as “gratifying,” adding that the project reflects the Service’s commitment to education and youth development.
He also acknowledged the efforts of the succeeding Area Controller, Samuel Ariyibi and officers who ensured the project was completed despite leadership transitions.
Beyond education, Adeniyi disclosed that the service has undertaken several other CSR projects nationwide, including interventions in health facilities, provision of potable water, and empowerment initiatives within correctional centres. Earlier in the day, the Service commissioned a similar project at the Nigerian Correctional Centre in Kirikiri.
He assured teachers and students of continued support, noting that its CSR unit would periodically monitor completed projects to ensure proper maintenance and sustainability.
The CGC reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to community development and nation-building through sustainable and impactful initiatives.
He also appreciated the traditional ruler, community leaders, government officials, and other stakeholders for their support and patience during the execution of the project.
“We will continue to follow up on our projects to ensure they remain in good condition and serve future generations,” he stated, adding that monitoring visits may be conducted without prior notice.
“What we said was simple , any project that has community impact is acceptable to us,” he noted.
The Headmistress of Methodist Primary School, Ibeshe, Mrs. F.T. Oyetoye, expressed appreciation to the CGC and other stakeholders for the renovation .
She described the intervention as a significant boost to teaching and learning in the school. She noted that the renovation o would provide pupils with a more conducive learning environment and enhance their academic performance.
She commended the CGC for what she termed impactful leadership, stating that the project reflects the NCS’s commitment to supporting education and community development. She also acknowledged the support of the BFD MFAP Initiative for partnering in the renovation effort.
Mrs. Oyetoye further appreciated the Education Secretary, Alhaji Taiwo Adeodun Odundo, for his continued guidance, commitment, and support to students and schools in the area. She also extended gratitude to the Executive Chairman for prioritising the welfare of pupils and promoting improved academic standards.
The former Area Controller of the Command, Ajibola Odusanya , expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) for providing the platform and support to execute the project.
Odusanya described the CGC as a “goal-getter” who keeps to his promises, noting that the successful completion of the school project was a testament to the Service’s commitment to community development.
He explained that the project was conceived during his tenure as Area Controller of the Lilypond Command, which ended in August last year.
According to him, a team was set up to identify a rural community where Customs’ CSR intervention would have meaningful impact. The team recommended the Ibeshe primary school after an assessment of needs within the area.
Odusanya said initial engagements with the school management were met with skepticism, as community members initially doubted the intentions behind the intervention. However, he noted that after consultations with community leaders, including Chief Kauli Olukoya, the Ashiwaju of Ibeshe, and securing the necessary approvals from the education authorities, work commenced on the project.
He commended officers and men of the Lilypond Command for their dedication and support in ensuring the completion of the renovation.
He also appreciated the current Area Controller, Comptroller Samuel Ariyibi for seeing the project through to completion after his redeployment, describing the gesture as a mark of continuity and shared vision within the Service.
The retired Comptroller further thanked the Ibeshe community for its cooperation and disclosed that the CGC has adopted the school as a Customs-supported institution, assuring that the school would continue to benefit from interventions by the Service’s CSR department.
Odusanya also acknowledged the contributions of key stakeholders, including EFA Terminal and the Association of West African Exporters (AWAMAF), for their support in executing the project.
He reaffirmed the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to community development, stressing that the Service remains consistent in fulfilling its promises and sustaining partnerships that promote social impact.
The event was attended by Customs officers, community leaders, stakeholders, teachers, and pupils, who lauded the initiative as a significant boost to education in the area
