Strengthening Bonds: Customs Official Meets with Traditional Leaders in Oyo State

By Lod Onyeji

In a bid to foster stronger ties with local communities, Deputy Controller Wale Moses Adewole, Acting Customs Area Controller of Oyo/Osun Area Command, recently paid courtesy visits to the palaces of three prominent traditional rulers in Oyo State, Nigeria.

Adewole's itinerary included meetings with the Onigbeti of Igbeti, Oba Engr. Bashir Olalekan; the Iba of Kishi, Oba Dr. Masoud Lawal Oyekola Aweda; and the Okere of Saki, Oba Dr. (Surv) Khalid Oyeniyi Olabisi Ayinla. The visits aimed to enhance collaboration on issues such as revenue collection, trade facilitation, and border security.

At each stop, Adewole emphasized the importance of joint efforts in promoting legitimate trade, suppressing smuggling, and addressing social vices like drug abuse. He commended the communities for their cooperation with customs officials and encouraged continued support for efforts to boost local industries, such as rice production.

The traditional leaders, in turn, assured Adewole of their communities' commitment to partnering with the Nigeria Customs Service. They highlighted the importance of customs presence in their regions to facilitate trade and promote economic growth.

Adewole's visits underscore the Nigeria Customs Service's commitment to building partnerships with local stakeholders to drive economic development and ensure national security.