The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Dr. Bashire Wale Adeniyi has unveiled the renovated Methodist Primary School, Ibeshe, Ikorodu, Lagos State.
The primary school which is 104-year-old was restored under the auspices of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Lilypond Export Command Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative.
Maritime Bits checks revealed that the project was initiated by the former Customs Area Controller (CAC), Lilypond Export Command, Comptroller AY Odunsanya (retired) and was completed by the present CAC, SO Ariyibi.
While unveiling the project in Lagos recently, Adeniyi stated that the initiative was part of NCS commitment to ride on the pillars of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and deliver projects with direct community impact.
Apparently pleased with the initiative, the NCS boss recalled that the project initially targeted a single dilapidated classroom block but was later expanded to cover additional buildings after further assessment.
He commended the foresight of the command in identifying the school, stressing that the intervention reflects NCS resolve to support education and uplift communities.
“This is the kind of impact we want to make for our students and communities,” Adeniyi declared.
The CGC expressed gratitude to Odunsanya and his team for their dedication in ensuring the project was completed to standard.
He noted that NCS has also executed other projects in areas such as clean water provision and correctional facilities, underscoring the service broader CSR agenda.
While addressing teachers and pupils, he assured them of continued support, urging students to study diligently and excel so they can, in future, give back to their communities.
The NCS boss emphasised that Customs will periodically monitor the facilities to ensure they remain in good condition for generations to come.
While reflecting on the renovation, the initiator of the Methodist Primary School renovation project, Odunsanya expressed gratitude to the NCS and the community for their support in bringing the school back to life.
The retired NCS officer thanked the CGC for approving the intervention, noting that the project began during his tenure as the CAC, Lilypond Export Command.
He recalled that when his team first identified the school, the Head Teacher and staff were skeptical as they suspected that the effort might be politically motivated, “but Customs proved its commitment by delivering a genuine community impact project.”
He commended the officers and men of the command for their dedication, as well as his successor, Comptroller Ariyibi for ensuring the completion of the project after his retirement.
He emphasised that the initiative was never about politics but about giving back to society, stressing that NCS has now adopted the school as part of its CSR footprints.
He also acknowledged the support of stakeholders whose contributions helped to make the renovation possible just as he praised the Ibeshe community for their cooperation and prayers throughout the project.
The retired Customs Chief assured them that NCS will continue to support the school through its CSR department
“We do not say what we do not do,” he said, pledging that NCS will sustain its involvement in the school’s progress.
Sister agencies such as NDLEA, DSS, Police, were present including LASUBEB, Oba of Ibeshe land among other community leaders, parents and residents witnessed the commissioning.
