The Oyo/Osun Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has intensified its grassroots engagement efforts, with the Acting Customs Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Wale Adewole, paying courtesy visits to prominent traditional rulers in Osun State.
Adewole recently visited the palaces of the Ooni of Ife, the Ogunsua of Modakeke, and the Ataoja of Osogbo as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen stakeholder engagement and enhance collaboration with host communities.
At the palace of the Ooni of Ife, the Acting Controller expressed appreciation for the warm reception accorded to him and his management team.
He described the palace as a symbol of Yoruba cultural heritage and sought the support of the traditional institution in combating smuggling, facilitating legitimate trade, and promoting national economic security.
In his response, the Ooni commended the Nigeria Customs Service for its role in trade facilitation, border security, and anti-smuggling operations, assuring the Command of his continued support.
During a similar visit to the palace of the Ogunsua of Modakeke, Adewole highlighted the importance of traditional rulers in maintaining peace and security within their domains.
He emphasised the need for community cooperation, particularly in intelligence sharing, to enable the Service effectively discharge its mandate.
The Ogunsua praised the Customs Service for its contributions to national development and pledged the support and cooperation of his community toward achieving the Command’s objectives.
At the palace of the Ataoja of Osogbo, the Acting Controller reiterated the Command’s commitment to strengthening relationships with traditional institutions and host communities.
He noted that sustained collaboration remains critical in promoting lawful trade and curbing illicit activities.
The Ataoja welcomed the delegation and commended the Service for safeguarding the nation’s economy, assuring the Command of the palace’s continued cooperation.
Adewole stated that the visits form part of the Command’s strategic efforts to enhance synergy with key stakeholders, particularly traditional institutions, whose influence he described as vital in promoting compliance with Customs laws and supporting national security goals.
He reaffirmed the Oyo/Osun Area Command’s commitment to its core mandates of revenue generation, trade facilitation, and suppression of smuggling, while sustaining strong partnerships to ensure effective service delivery.
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