By Providence Ayanfeoluwa

The Comptroller-General of Customs, CGC Bashir Wale Adeniyi, has commissioned the renovated Methodist Primary School, Ibeshe, Ikorodu, a 104-year-old institution restored under the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme of the Nigeria Customs Service, Lilypond Export Command.

The project was initiated by retired Comptroller Ajibola Odunsanya, former Area Controller of Lilypond Export Command, and later completed by his successor, Customs Area Comptroller Samuel Ariyibi.

The CGC described the initiative as part of Customs’ commitment to align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and deliver projects with direct community impact. He recalled that the intervention initially targeted a single dilapidated classroom block but was expanded to cover additional buildings after further assessment.

Adeniyi commended the foresight of the command in identifying the school, stressing that the project reflects Customs’ resolve to support education and uplift communities. He expressed gratitude to Odunsanya and his team for their dedication, noting that the Service has also executed other CSR projects in areas such as clean water provision and correctional facilities. Addressing teachers and pupils, the CGC assured them of continued support, urging students to study diligently and excel so they can, in future, give back to their communities.

Reflecting on the renovation, Odunsanya expressed appreciation to the NCS and the Ibeshe community for their cooperation in bringing the school back to life. He thanked the CGC for approving the intervention, recalling that when his team first identified the school, staff were sceptical, suspecting the effort might be politically motivated.

“Customs proved its commitment by delivering a genuine community impact project,” he said. He commended officers of the command for their dedication and praised his successor, Controller Ariyibi, for ensuring completion after his retirement.

The commissioning ceremony was attended by sister agencies including the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Department of State Services (DSS), Police, Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (LASUBEB), the Oba of Ibeshe land, community leaders, parents, and residents. Stakeholders hailed the project as a milestone in community development and a demonstration of Customs’ broader CSR footprint.