The Acting Customs Area Controller, Oyo/Osun Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, Deputy Comptroller Wale Adewole, has solicited the support of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, as well as the cooperation of traditional institutions and the entire community in combating smuggling, facilitating legitimate trade, and enhancing national economic security.
The Area Controller made the plea on Monday when he visited the Ooni’s palace on a courtesy call.
Deputy Comptroller Adewole also paid courtesy calls on the Ogunsua of Modakeke, Oba Joseph Toriola Olubiyi, and the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Olanipekun.
At the palace of the Ooni of Ife, DC Adewole expressed appreciation for the reception accorded to him and his management team, noting that the palace is a symbol of the rich cultural heritage of the Yoruba people.
The Acting Customs Area Controller also appreciated the Ogunsua of Modakeke for his hospitality and acknowledged the vital role of traditional rulers in maintaining peace and security within their domains.
He emphasised the importance of community support, particularly in intelligence sharing, to enable the Service to effectively carry out its mandate.
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 Acting Customs Area Controller told the monarchs 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.
He reiterated the Oyo/Osun Area Command’s commitment to its core mandates of revenue generation, trade facilitation, and the suppression of smuggling, while continuing to build strong partnerships with relevant stakeholders for effective service delivery.
In his response, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Ogunwusi, commended the Nigeria Customs Service for its critical role in trade facilitation, border security, and the suppression of smuggling, assuring the Command of his continuous support.
The Ogunsua of Modakeke, Oba Olubiyi, in his remarks, commended the Service for its contributions to national development and pledged the support and cooperation of his people towards achieving the Command’s objectives.
The Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Olanipekun, also praised the Nigeria Customs Service for its role in safeguarding the nation’s economy, while promising the Command the palace’s continued support and cooperation.
The visits, according to a statement by the Public Relations Officer, ASC Akintola Abiodun Abdulmalik, were part of ongoing efforts to strengthen stakeholder engagement and foster community collaboration in the discharge of the statutory responsibilities of the Nigeria Customs Service.