Customs CG commissions renovated 104-year-old school

By Joy Enamuna 

 

The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, on Thursday commissioned the renovated Methodist Primary School, Ibeshe, Ikorodu, Lagos State, as part of the Service’s Corporate Social Responsibility initiative.

The 104-year-old school was restored under the CSR programme of the Lilypond Export Command.

The project was initiated by retired Comptroller A.Y. Odunsanya, a former Area Controller of the command, and later completed by the incumbent Customs Area Comptroller, S.O. Ariyibi.

Speaking at the event, Adeniyi said the intervention aligns with the agency’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in the area of quality education and community development.

He explained that the renovation initially covered a dilapidated classroom block but was expanded to other sections of the school following further assessment of its needs.

The Customs boss commended the command for identifying the school and executing the project, noting that the Service remains committed to initiatives that directly impact host communities.

He added that similar interventions have been carried out in areas such as potable water supply and correctional facilities.

Addressing pupils and teachers, Adeniyi urged the students to take their studies seriously and aspire to contribute positively to society, assuring them that the Service would continue to monitor and maintain the facilities.

In his remarks, Odunsanya expressed appreciation to the Customs leadership for approving and sustaining the project, recalling that the school authorities were initially sceptical when the renovation was proposed.

He, however, noted that the Service demonstrated sincerity by completing the project and formally adopting the school as part of its CSR footprint.

The commissioning ceremony was attended by representatives of sister security agencies, including the NDLEA, DSS and the Police, as well as officials of the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board, the Oba of Ibeshe and other community leaders, parents and residents.