Oyo/Osun Customs Strengthens Grassroots Support Through Royal Engagement Tour

ZAINAB JUNAID

The Acting Customs Area Controller of the Oyo/Osun Area Command, Deputy Comptroller of Customs, Wale Moses Adewole, has intensified efforts to strengthen collaboration with traditional institutions through a series of high-level engagements in Oyo State.

This was contained in a statement issued by the Command’s spokesperson, Assistant Superintendent of Customs I, Abdulmalik Abiodun Akintola.

According to the statement, DC Adewole paid courtesy calls on the Onigbeti of Igbeti, Iba of Kishi, and the Okere of Saki, on Wednesday, 1 April 2026, in a move aimed at fostering stronger partnerships within the Command’s operational area.

At Igbeti, the Onigbeti, Oba Engr. Bashir Olalekan, alongside his council of chiefs, received the Customs delegation warmly.

The monarch commended the Nigeria Customs Service for its vital role in revenue generation, facilitation of legitimate trade, suppression of smuggling, and safeguarding national borders.

He pledged the community’s continued support, particularly in raising awareness on the dangers and economic consequences of smuggling.

In response, DC Adewole appreciated the reception and praised the community’s consistent cooperation with Customs personnel.

He highlighted the need for sustained collaboration to enhance operational efficiency, discourage youth involvement in illegal trade, and tackle social vices, including drug abuse.

The Acting Controller also visited Kishi, where he reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to strengthening its relationship with the traditional institution and residents.

Adewole commended the community’s involvement in local rice production and cautioned against the smuggling of foreign parboiled rice, noting the presence of a functional rice mill in the area. He further appreciated the support extended to Customs patrol teams.

The Iba of Kishi, Oba Dr. Masoud Lawal Oyekola Aweda, expressed gratitude for the visit and recognition given to the community.

He assured the Oyo/Osun Customs leadership of Kishi’s commitment to promoting lawful trade and discouraging illegal activities that could hinder national economic growth.

Similarly, in Saki, the Okere, Oba Dr. (Surv.) Khalid Oyeniyi Olabisi Ayinla, received the delegation alongside other security agencies.

Adewole stressed the importance of traditional institutions in maintaining peace and order, commending the people of Saki for their law-abiding conduct.

In his remarks, the monarch welcomed the visit and advocated for the establishment of a Customs presence in the area to further enhance trade facilitation.

He also assured the Acting Area Controller of continued support for the Service’s operations.

The engagement underscores the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to leveraging traditional institutions as key partners in promoting compliance, strengthening border security, and advancing economic development.