Custom boss, Adeniyi commissions renovated 104-year-old school in Ikorodu

By Ranmilowo Ojalumo    -The Controller General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, on Wednesday commissioned the fully renovated Methodist Primary School, in Ibeshe, Ikorodu, Lagos State, South West Nigeria.

The project is part of the CGC Adeniyi’s led customs Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative.

The historic school, established in 1922, had fallen into severe disrepair despite having a pupil population of over 600. However, 104 years after its establishment, the Lilypond Export Command of the NCS undertook a comprehensive renovation of the facility, transforming all classrooms, the school hall, toilets and security fence into modern, conducive learning spaces.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, the Controller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, said the intervention aligns with the customs Services commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in the area of education.

“It is my pleasure to be here in fulfillment of one of the commitments we have made to ride on the pillars of the SDGs and implement intervention projects in selected communities,” Adeniyi said.

He explained that when the immediate past Area Controller of Lilypond Command, Comptroller A.Y. Odusanya, first approached him for guidance on a CSR project, he emphasized that any initiative with tangible community impact would receive management support.

Initially conceived as a renovation of a single dilapidated classroom block, Adeniyi said the project gradually expanded in scope to cover the entire school.

“When they showed me the pictures at the beginning, I thought they were only going to fix one block. But the scope kept widening. They saw that other buildings required attention, and I told them that as long as it was within their financial capacity, they should proceed. I am very happy with what I have seen today,” the CGC said.

He assured the school community that the Customs Service would not treat the project as a one-off intervention.

“We have a system of follow-up. We will continue to monitor projects we execute to ensure they are maintained. This school is now in our hearts, and we will continue to support your progress,” he said, urging pupils to take their studies seriously and aspire to give back to society in the future.

Comptroller Patience Ibrahim, in charge of Corporate Social Responsibility and Procurement, said the project reflects the Service’s focus on six key areas: health, education, food security, social investment, creative economy and environmental sustainability.

She commended the CGC for his leadership and commitment to impactful community projects.

Also speaking, the Zonal Coordinator, Zone A, Assistant Comptroller-General Mohammed Babandede, described education as the foundation of any successful society.

“If you have a solid educational foundation, that society will be successful. We thank the CGC for his guidance in ensuring that our CSR interventions prioritize education and health,” he said.

In his remarks, Comptroller Odusanya recounted how the project began. He said that while serving as Area Controller of Lilypond Command until August last year, he directed his team to identify a rural community where Customs’ CSR would have a meaningful impact.

He noted that the team selected Methodist Primary School, Ibeshe, after assessing conditions in the area.

According to him, the school management was initially skeptical, suspecting political motives. However, after consultations with community leaders and education authorities, approval was secured and work commenced.

“We don’t politicise what we do. When we say we will do something, we do it. I thank the CGC for his support and my officers for their dedication,” Odusanya said.

He also praised his successor, Comptroller S.O. Ariyibi, for ensuring the completion of the project.

“It is one thing to start a project; it is another for a successor to embrace it and see it through. Without that support, we may not be here celebrating today,” he added.

On his part, the current Area Controller of Lilypond Command, Comptroller S.O. Ariyibi, also commended the CGC’s leadership and reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to sustaining community-focused initiatives.

Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Mr. Hakeem Abiodun Lamidi, described the renovated facility as a demonstration of strong commitment to basic education.

“Education remains the bedrock of sustainable development. A conducive learning environment translates directly into better learning outcomes,” he said, assuring that the facilities would be properly utilized and maintained.

The head teacher of the school expressed gratitude to the Customs Service, noting that the renovation would significantly improve teaching and learning conditions for both pupils and staff.

She described the project as a testament to impactful leadership, assuring that the school community would ensure the facilities are put to proper use.

The commissioning ceremony was attended by traditional rulers, community leaders, Customs officers and other stakeholders, who lauded the Nigeria Customs Service for bringing renewed hope and improved infrastructure to the century-old institution.