The Acting Customs Area Controller, Oyo/Osun Area Command, Deputy Comptroller of Customs (DC) Wale Adewole, paid courtesy visits to the palaces of the Ooni of Ife, Ogunsua of Modakeke, and Ataoja of Osogbo as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen stakeholder engagement and foster community collaboration in the discharge of the statutory responsibilities of the Nigeria Customs Service.
During his visit to the palace of the Ooni of Ife, DC Adewole expressed appreciation for the warm reception accorded to him and his management team.
He described the palace as a symbol of the rich cultural heritage of the Yoruba people and solicited the support and cooperation of the traditional institution and the entire community in combating smuggling, facilitating legitimate trade, and enhancing national economic security.
In his response, the Ooni of Ife commended the Nigeria Customs Service for its critical role in trade facilitation, border security, and suppression of smuggling, and assured the Command of his continuous support.
At the palace of the Ogunsua of Modakeke, the Acting Customs Area Controller appreciated the monarch for his hospitality and acknowledged the vital role of traditional rulers in maintaining peace and security within their domains.
He emphasized the importance of community support, particularly in intelligence sharing, to enable the Service effectively carry out its mandate.
The Ogunsua of Modakeke, in his remarks, commended the Service for its contributions to national development and pledged the support and cooperation of his people towards achieving the objectives of the Command.
Similarly, at the palace of the Ataoja of Osogbo, DC Adewole reiterated the Command’s commitment to strengthening its relationship with host communities and traditional institutions.
He noted that sustained collaboration remains essential in promoting lawful trade and preventing illicit activities. The Ataoja of Osogbo welcomed the delegation and commended the Nigeria Customs Service for its role in safeguarding the nation’s economy, while assuring the Command of the palace’s continued support and cooperation.
The Acting Customs Area Controller noted that the visits form part of the Command’s strategic efforts to enhance synergy with key stakeholders, particularly traditional institutions, whose influence remains critical in promoting compliance with Customs laws and supporting national security objectives.
The Oyo/Osun Area Command remains committed to its core mandates of revenue generation, trade facilitation, and suppression of smuggling, while continuing to build strong partnerships with relevant stakeholders for effective service delivery.
