Customs CG, Adeniyi commissions 104-year old Renovated school in Ikorodu

Customs CG , Adeniyi Commissions 104-Year-Old Renovated School in Ikorodu

By Babatunde Aremu

The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) Bashire Wale Adeniyi, today commissioned the renovated Methodist Primary School, Ibeshe, Ikorodu, a 104-year-old learning ground restored under the Corporate Social Responsibility Programme of the Nigeria Customs Service, Lilypond Export Command.
Meanwhile, the project was initiated by Retired Comptroller AY Odunsanya, former Area Controller, Lilypond Export Command, but was however completed by Customs Area Comptroller, CAC SO Ariyibi, who took over the command.
The CGC described the initiative as part of Customs’ commitment to ride on the pillars of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and deliver projects with direct community impact.
Speaking at the event, the CGC recalled that the project initially targeted a single dilapidated classroom block but was later expanded to cover additional buildings after further assessment.
He commended the foresight of the command who identified the school, stressing that the intervention reflects Customs’ resolve to support education and uplift communities. “This is the kind of impact we want to make for our students and communities,” he said.
The CGC expressed gratitude to the former Dr. Odunsanya and his team for their dedication in ensuring the project was completed to standard. He noted that the Service has also executed other projects in areas such as clean water provision and correctional facilities, underscoring Customs’ broader CSR agenda.
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.
He emphasised that Customs will periodically monitor the facilities to ensure they remain in good condition for generations to come.
Also, Retired Customs Comptroller Odunsanya Reflecting on the renovation, Odunsanya the initiator of the Methodist Primary School renovation project expressed gratitude to the NCS and the community for their support in bringing the school back to life. In his brief remarks he thanked the CGC for approving the intervention, noting that the project began during his tenure as Area Controller at the Lilypond Export Command.
He recalled that when his team first identified the school, the head teacher and staff were sceptical, suspecting the effort might be politically motivated, “but Customs proved its commitment by delivering a genuine community impact project.”
He commended the officers and men of the command for their dedication, as well as his successor, Controller Ariyibi for ensuring the completion of the project after his retirement.
He emphasised that the initiative was never about politics but about giving back to society, stressing that Customs has now adopted the school as part of its CSR footprint. He also acknowledged the support of stakeholders whose contributions helped make the renovation possible.
He praised the Ibeshe community for their cooperation and prayers throughout the project, assuring them that Customs will continue to support the school through its CSR department. “We don’t say what we do not do,” he said, pledging that the Service will sustain its involvement in the school’s progress.
Sister agencies such as NDLEA, DSS, Police, were present including LASUBEB, Oba of Ibeshe land among other Community Leaders, parents and residents witnessed the commissioning.