Corporate Social Responsibility : Ogun 1 Customs equipping the leaders of tomorrow

Corporate Social Responsibility :
Ogun 1 Customs equipping the leaders of tomorrow
…supports 100 pupils with new uniforms, books, writing materials 

In line with its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) of giving something back to the host communities, the Ogun 1 Customs Command has supported 100 pupils with new uniforms, books and other educational materials.

The kind gesture by Ogun Customs, which received encomiums from border communities and stakeholders was done in collaboration with; ‘Teach for Nigeria‘, a Non Governmental Organisation (NGO), to support the beneficiaries in their academics.

This laudable initiative by Ogun 1 Customs Command in supporting the education sector is in tandem with the vision of the Comptroller General of Customs, CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, on Consolidation, Innovation and Collaboration to promote tangible economic growth and development.

Most commendable, the school materials were given to 100 primary school pupils from five different schools, at Idiroko axis of Ipokia Local Government Area, in Ogun State.

The NGO through three of its members, Mrs Akanbi Olutoyosi, Mr Mathew Emmanuel and Mrs Obot Aniebietabasi, approached the Command with; ‘Cloth a Child Initiative, a pet project of the NGO, and sought for its support.

While explaining the rationale behind the initiative, the delegation stated that, it was observed during learning process that some pupils’ school uniforms are tattered and are affecting their studies, and interaction with their fellow pupils, psychologically. They explained further, that 20 pupils from 5 schools, having such challenge, were identified for urgent attention.

The selected schools for the programme include Community Primary School Igbo Adiguns; Community Primary school Odan Aje; Ipokia Local Government (IPLG) School 1 & II Idiroko, and Ipokia Local Government School Ikolaje.

The Command commended the initiative and considered it a laudable project. As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility, the Command expanded the scope of the initiative by making the proposed pair of uniforms with socks and writing materials such as books and stationery for the pupils. It also added chalks and white board markers for selected schools to teach the pupils.

During the presentation ceremony held on Wednesday March 20, 2024 at IPLG school I & II Idiroko, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Ahmadu Shuaibu, who was represented by the Deputy Comptroller Administration, DC Charles Ogunesan congratulated the beneficiaries.

He urged their parents to reciprocate the gesture by taking their children education progression seriously and look after their wellbeing keenly. He described children as great blessings from the God Almighty, which must NOT be taken for granted. He applauded the NGO for introducing such a great initiative.

The Ipokia Local Government Education Secretary, Alhaja Oduntan Ireti, highlighted the significant roles played by teachers in impacting knowledge in learners. She emphasised that no one at the helms of affairs or corridors of power who does not pass through teachers before attaining such positions. She congratulated the pupils who benefited from the educational support and their parents.

She equally commended the collaborative efforts of Nigeria Customs Service and the NGO in uplifting the learning condition of the privileged children.

Similarly, the Education Officer, Mr Bankole Joseph, during his own speech, appreciated the kind gesture of Ogun I Command and urged it to sustain the established synergy with the education board.

He prayed for God’s blessings and protection upon the Command. He extended his gratitude to the NGO for championing such a wonderful initiative in favour of their pupils, urging them to sustain the tempo and beseech God’s blessing on them.

While giving vote of thanks, Miss Hunnesi Florence, a primary 5 pupil of the Community Primary School, Igbo Adiguns, appreciated the Command for supporting them with set of uniforms and writing materials. The senior coach of the NGO, Mr Babatunde Atteh, who gave the closing remarks, disclosed that he was extremely overwhelmed with joy, realising the huge success recorded with the initiative.

He expressed his profound gratitude to the Command for its enormous support, which made the achieved success a reality. He congratulated the beneficiaries of the initiative and thanked everyone in attendance for gracing the auspicious occasion.

At the end of the occasion, the parents of the beneficiaries expressed their sincere appreciation to Customs and the NGO for providing educational support to their children. The event was well attended by the management team of Ogun 1 Command, representative of the Department of State Security, members of education board, head teachers of various schools, parents, Idiroko youths and other important personalities.