The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has renovated a local school and upgraded a community clinic in Sagbokoji, Lagos, as part of its Customs Care Initiative, a corporate social responsibility program.
Sagbokoji is a riverine island community located in the Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area of Lagos State. It lies along the Lagos Lagoon and is accessible primarily by water, which has contributed to its relative isolation and infrastructural challenges.
The community is traditionally inhabited by the Awori people and governed by local leadership, including a Baale (community chief). Despite being part of the bustling Lagos metropolis, Sagbokoji faces limited access to basic social amenities such as healthcare, education, potable water, and transportation infrastructure. For instance, the absence of a connecting bridge to the mainland or nearby islands significantly hinders mobility and access to secondary schools and other essential services.
At a commissioning event on Wednesday, over 700 pupils of the Local Authority (LEA) Nursery and Primary School received “Back to School” materials including textbooks, exercise books, school bags, sandals, mosquito nets, and other health resources. A borehole was also provided to improve water access.
Speaking at the event, the Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, said the initiative was aimed at advancing education and healthcare in the community. He noted that the school was established by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during his tenure as Governor of Lagos State, and the NCS was proud to return after two decades to uplift the infrastructure.
“We consulted widely before choosing this school,” said CGC Adeniyi. “This intervention focuses on both education and health, with plans for a future junior secondary school in collaboration with the Lagos State Government.”
He also pledged to advocate for further government support, including a connecting bridge to nearby communities with secondary schools.
Customs Area Controller of Apapa Command, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, was commended for his leadership in executing the project.
The Baale of Sagbokoji, Chief Mohammed Adio Yusuf, thanked the NCS for the rehabilitation and urged for more outreach to neighbouring underserved communities. He also appealed for job opportunities for local youths within the Service.
Headmaster of the School, Oladosun Emmanuel, and a pupil, Yusuf Goodluck, expressed appreciation for the intervention, highlighting its positive impact on learning and morale.
Copyright Ships & Ports Ltd. Permission to use quotations from this article is granted subject to appropriate credit given to www.shipsandports.com.ng as the source.