By: Goodluck E.Adubazi, Abuja.

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi II, has praised the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, describing President Bola Tinubu’s recent public commendation of the Customs chief as a clear indication of the confidence reposed in his leadership.

The monarch made the remarks on Thursday during the annual Eid-el-Kabir gathering hosted by Adeniyi at his residence in Modakeke, Osun State.

The event drew a large gathering of traditional rulers, political leaders, senior Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) officers, community stakeholders, family members, friends, and associates.

Speaking at the occasion, Oba Ogunwusi said President Tinubu’s expression of satisfaction with Adeniyi’s performance reflected the trust placed in the Customs boss and the results being delivered under his stewardship of the Service.

“We are very proud of him and the work he is doing. When Mr President publicly expressed satisfaction with his performance, it was not a casual statement. It reflects trust in his capacity and the results he is delivering,” the monarch said.

The Ooni noted that Adeniyi’s leadership of the Nigeria Customs Service, coupled with his contributions to community development, had become a source of pride for both the ancient Ife Kingdom and the Modakeke community.

Describing the Customs chief as a unifying figure, the monarch added that Adeniyi’s ability to bring people together exemplifies the qualities of effective leadership.

“He brings people together, and that is what leadership is about. We will continue to stand by him and pray for him,” Oba Ogunwusi stated.

In his remarks, Adeniyi expressed appreciation to the Ooni, community leaders, family members, friends, associates, and other well-wishers for their unwavering support.

The Customs boss described Eid-el-Kabir as a season that underscores the virtues of sacrifice, gratitude, obedience, and service to humanity. He said the annual gathering offered an opportunity to reconnect with people, strengthen relationships, and reflect on the collective responsibility of building stronger communities and a better nation.

Adeniyi highlighted ongoing achievements of the Nigeria Customs Service, noting that the agency has recorded significant progress in revenue generation, trade facilitation, anti-smuggling operations, technological innovation, and corporate social responsibility initiatives aligned with the Federal Government’s economic objectives.

According to him, the Service remains committed to supporting President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda through reforms aimed at facilitating legitimate trade, enhancing national security, improving compliance, and creating opportunities for economic growth.

He further disclosed that Customs has expanded community-focused interventions across the country, including educational support programmes, healthcare initiatives, and other projects designed to improve the welfare of Nigerians.

The CGC reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to professionalism, transparency, and service excellence, while pledging to sustain reforms that will strengthen Customs operations and deliver greater value to the nation.
Adeniyi also thanked President Tinubu for the opportunity to serve and assured Nigerians of the Service’s continued support for government policies targeted at economic prosperity and national development.