The Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has described President Bola Tinubu’s public commendation of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Dr. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, as a strong vote of confidence in the Customs boss, praising his leadership of the Nigeria Customs Service and contributions to community development.
The monarch spoke during the annual Eid-el-Kabir gathering hosted by Adeniyi at his residence in Modakeke, Osun State, an event attended by traditional rulers, political leaders, senior Customs officers, community stakeholders, family members and associates.
Ooni Ogunwusi said President Tinubu’s public expression of satisfaction with Adeniyi’s performance reflected the trust reposed in his leadership and the results being delivered by the Nigeria Customs 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.
Describing Adeniyi as a unifying figure, the Ooni said the Customs chief had continued to strengthen ties within the community while driving reforms in the Service.
“He brings people together, and that is what leadership is about. We will continue to stand by him and pray for him,” he added.
Speaking at the gathering, Adeniyi thanked the Ooni, community leaders, friends and well-wishers for their continued support, describing Eid-el-Kabir as a season that symbolises sacrifice, gratitude, obedience and service to humanity.
He said the occasion also offered an opportunity to strengthen relationships and reflect on the collective responsibility of building stronger communities and a better nation.
The Customs boss said the Service had continued to record progress in revenue generation, trade facilitation, anti-smuggling operations, technological innovation and corporate social responsibility initiatives in line with the Federal Government’s economic agenda.
According to him, the Service remains committed to supporting President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda through reforms aimed at facilitating legitimate trade, strengthening national security, improving compliance and stimulating economic growth.
Adeniyi added that Customs had expanded community-focused interventions across the country, including educational support programmes, healthcare initiatives and other projects targeted at improving the welfare of Nigerians.
He reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to professionalism, transparency and operational reforms, while expressing gratitude to President Tinubu for the opportunity to serve the country.