By Feyisola Adeyeha
The Acting Customs Area Controller, Oyo/Osun Area Command, DC Wale Moses Adewole, on Wednesday , 1 April 2026, paid a familiarisation visit to the palaces of traditional rulers in Igbeti, Kishi, and Saki axis of Oyo State, aiming to strengthen collaboration with traditional institutions in the Command’s area of responsibility.
The monarchs, including the Onigbeti of Igbeti Oba Engr. Bashir Olalekan, the Iba of Kishi Oba Dr. Masoud Lawal Oyekola Aweda, and the Okere of Saki Oba Dr.(Surv) Khalid Oyeniyi Olabisi Ayinla, acknowledged the critical role of the Nigeria Customs Service in revenue generation, facilitation of legitimate trade, suppression of smuggling, and protection of national borders.
They assured the Controller of their communities’ continued support, particularly in sensitising residents on the dangers and economic consequences of smuggling.
DC Adewole in his speech expressed appreciation for the warm reception and commended the communities for their sustained cooperation with officers of the Command.
He emphasised the importance of continued partnership in enhancing operational efficiency, discouraging youth involvement in illegal trade, and addressing social vices such as drug abuse.
During his visit to the palace of the Iba of Kishi, the Ag. CAC reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to strengthening its existing relationship with the traditional institution and the community.
He commended the people of Kishi for their engagement in local rice production and discouraged the smuggling of foreign parboiled rice, noting the presence of a functional rice mill in the area. He also appreciated the support extended to the Command’s patrol teams in carrying out their statutory duties.
The Okere of Saki requested the establishment of a Customs presence in the axis to enhance trade facilitation, assuring the Controller of the community’s commitment to promoting lawful trade and discouraging all forms of illegal activities that could undermine national economic growth.
The visit aimed to foster cooperation between traditional institutions and the Nigeria Customs Service, promoting economic growth and national development.
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