By Sylvanus Obasi
It was all smiles and dancing as the people of Ajegunle in Ajeromi Ifelodun Local Council Area of Apapa, Lagos could not contain their excitement and euphoria as they witnessed the commissioning of a newly renovated Christ Assembly Nursery and Primary School Facilities by the Nigeria Customs Service under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Initiative tagged, Customs Cares.
Platform Reporters reports that the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, on Thursday led the commissioning ceremony alongside key Senior Customs Officers and stakeholders, including His Royal Highness Oba Muhammed Maruf, the Olumakinwa of Apapa Kingdom; the Chairman of Ajeromi Ifelodun LGA, Mayor Fatai Ayeola; and Commissioner for Basic Education in Lagos State, Jamiu Ali-Balogun, among others.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, the CGC described the project which was executed by the Tincan Island Port Command of Customs as a symbol of renewed hope and a deliberate investment in the nation’s future.
According to him, “We are happy that our intervention has provided a better learning environment for all our students. More importantly, we are happy that our intervention has ignited a renewed hope that under President Bola Tinubu, our children can learn in a good environment and aspire to be the best they can in their careers.”
Speaking further, Adeniyi noted that the intervention is part of the ‘Customs Cares’ initiative targeting 50,000 students in 2025 by distributing school items such as uniforms, shoes, raincoats, and bags.
“So far, we have done 10,000 out of which 3,000 are from Lagos. Today, we’re going to reach out to 2000 school pupils.”
Beyond education, the CGC outlined five other focus areas of the initiative aligned with national development goals, including health care, creative industry support, access to potable water, and information technology and ICT support.
“What we are doing is to recognise that all our communities where we serve have remained a strong pillar of support for us. And in reciprocating this support, we will discharge the obligations I have discussed.”
Earlier in his welcome address, the Zone A Zonal Coordinator, Assistant Comptroller-General (ACG) Charles Orbih, emphasised the importance of leading impactful initiatives. “Our position as the foremost zone places upon us the responsibility to pioneer impactful community engagement that others can emulate.”
In her remarks, Comptroller Patience Ibrahim, in charge of the CSR Unit, noted that the gathering reaffirms the service’s enduring commitment to building a stronger relationship with the communities in which it operates.
The Host Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Frank Onyeka, appreciated partners and stakeholders who supported the noble cause.
Also speaking, the school Headmistress, Mrs Esther Ogunfuyi, expressed gratitude to the Service for its generosity and concern for education. “It is a reflection of your belief in the potential of our pupil, your commitment to quality education and your desire to make a lasting difference.”
Goodwill messages from other dignitaries and stakeholders commended the Nigeria Customs Service for setting a strong example of public sector impact.
The event’s high point was the display of cultural performances by the school pupils.
The event concluded with a formal presentation of educational materials to pupils and the commissioning of the renovated school.
Platform Reporters correspondent who witnessed the occasion, noted that Lagos State government officials, local government chairman and his delegates, traditional leaders, community people and indeed the staff and pupils of the school were all elated and in jubilant mood as they celebrate the facelift given to the school by the Nigeria Customs Service.
Even as they appealed to the Comptroller-General of Customs to keep an eye on the facility to ensure proper and regular maintenance.
Some of the facilities renovated by custom included Classroom Blocks, Cafeteria, Playing ground, Computer Rooms, Classroom Furnitures and the school toilets.
