The Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has renovated and commissioned Christ Assembly Nursery and Primary School in Olodi Apapa, Lagos State, as part of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS’ Corporate Social Responsibility, CSR initiative.
The school, located in Ajaromi Ifelodun Local Government Area, was in a dilapidated state before the intervention of the NCS. The renovation is a testament to the service’s commitment to improving learning conditions and supporting education.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, CGC Adeniyi emphasized the value of education and diligence as critical pillars for future success. He urged the pupils to be serious with their studies, drawing from his personal journey in life. “Education is power,” he stated. “I started just like you, and with God’s help, education charted the course for my rise.”
The CGC also announced that the NCS has adopted the school and will continue to take care of it. He promised the school’s management and staff that the service will sustain its support in education, health, and youth development.
As part of its CSR blueprint, the NCS aims to empower 50,000 pupils nationwide with school kits by 2025, having already reached 10,000. The Tin Can Island Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, led by Comptroller Frank Onyeka, played a significant role in this initiative.
The Headmistress of Christ Assembly Nursery and Primary School, Mrs. Esther Ogunfuyi, expressed her excitement and appreciation for the school’s selection. She thanked the management of the Nigeria Customs Service, led by CGC Adeniyi, saying, “This transformation is more than just new walls, fresh paint, or improved facilities. It is a reflection of your belief in the potential of our pupils, your commitment to quality education, and your desire to make a lasting difference.”
The project was funded by Tin Can Island Port Command in collaboration with the NCS Headquarters. The CGC stated that the target of the service in 2025 is to directly reach out to 50,000 students by supporting them with educational items. He highlighted that the NCS had achieved part of this goal with help already rendered to 12,000 students; with 5,000 of them in Lagos, including 2,000 presented with items at the ceremony.
The CGC also announced plans to support sports development in the community, including the development of the Marakana Mini stadium in Ajagunle.
The Customs Area Controller, CAC of Tincan Port Command, Comptroller Frank Onyeka, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead this initiative, even as he commended stakeholders of the maritime industry for their support to ensure that the project comes to fruition.
He also recognized the invaluable contributions of community stakeholders, school leadership, teachers, and students who through their cooperation made the renovation project a success.
The event was attended by various dignitaries, including the Olu Iwa of Apapa Kingdom, HRM, Oba Moroof Oyekunle Oluwa, who commended Customs for the CSR initiative and called on other government agencies to contribute to the growth of the community.
The Member representing Ajeromi/Ifelodun Constituency, Kalejaiye Adeboye Paul, appreciated Customs and implored other agencies to emulate the NCS.
The Lagos State Commissioner of Education, Tolani Ali-Balogun, appreciated Customs for the project, adding that it is a leverage to what the state government is doing in the educational sector. He promised that the Universal Basic Education Commission, UBEC in the state will ensure proper maintenance of the project.
The outgoing Chairman, Ajeromi-Ifelodun LGA, Fatai Ayoola, thanked Customs for bringing succour to the community and ameliorating the sufferings of the people.
The Educational Secretary, Ajeromi-Ifelodun LGA, Barr. Remi-Williams Abiola, described the project as unique and commended Customs for its CSR initiative.
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