As part of its commitment to empowering the next generation through quality education, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has renovated and equipped Christ Assembly Nursery and Primary School in Araromi, Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government Area (LGA) of Lagos State.
The initiative, executed under the NCS Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme tagged “Customs Cares”, was spearheaded by the Tin-Can Island Port Command in collaboration with the NCS Headquarters in Abuja. The extensive renovation included the provision of modern learning facilities, distribution of educational materials, and free medical services for pupils and members of the community.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony on Thursday, the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, expressed satisfaction with the impact of the project, noting that it aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Adeniyi revealed that the Service aims to directly reach 50,000 students by 2025, with educational support already extended to 12,000 students, including 5,000 in Lagos and 2,000 beneficiaries from the current exercise.
“Our next intervention will be in the area of sports development in this community. We plan to collaborate in upgrading facilities at Maracana,” Adeniyi said. “The Customs is not in competition with any government agency. We understand the importance of our host communities and we are committed to giving back.”
The CGC also encouraged the pupils to take their studies seriously, assuring them that the Customs Service would continue to support the school and education generally. He praised the officers and men of the Tin Can Island Port Command for their dedication to the successful execution of the project.
In his remarks, the Customs Area Controller of Tin-Can Command, Comptroller Frank Okechukwu Onyeka, expressed gratitude to the CGC for the opportunity to serve through meaningful CSR. He also commended the school’s headmistress, teachers, and pupils for their cooperation and commitment throughout the project.
Dignitaries at the event lauded the Customs’ intervention and called for greater collaboration among government agencies in community development.
The Olu Iwa of Apapa Kingdom, HRM Oba Moroof Oyekunle Oluwa, praised the NCS for its initiative and urged agencies like the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) to emulate the gesture.
Also speaking, Hon. Kalejaiye Adeboye Paul, Federal Representative for Ajeromi-Ifelodun Constituency, thanked the Customs for bringing development to the grassroots and urged other MDAs to take similar steps.
In her address, Lagos State Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Tolani Ali-Balogun, described the project as a complement to the state’s investment in education. She assured that the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) in Lagos would ensure proper maintenance of the facility and called on parents and local leaders to support its sustainability.
The outgoing Ajeromi-Ifelodun LGA Chairman, Hon. Fatai Ayoola, described the initiative as a first-of-its-kind support in the community, while the Educational Secretary, Barr. Remi-Williams Abiola, hailed the renovation as unique and impactful.
In an emotional appreciation, Mrs. Esther Ogunfuyi, Headmistress of Christ Assembly Nursery and Primary School, said the Customs’ intervention has transformed the school and inspired hope in pupils and staff alike.
“This transformation is more than new walls or improved facilities; it reflects your belief in our pupils’ potential and a genuine commitment to education. Your generosity has created a safer and more dignified environment for learning,” she stated.
The event also featured a free medical outreach, offering checkups for both children and adults within the community.