By Seun Ibiyemi
The Acting Customs Area Controller of the Oyo/Osun Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, Deputy Comptroller Wale Adewole, on Thursday paid courtesy visits to the palaces of the Aseyin of Iseyin, Sefiu Olawale Oyebola Adeyeri III, and the Soun of Ogbomosho, Ghandi Olaoye, as part of efforts to strengthen collaboration with traditional institutions in tackling smuggling and promoting legitimate trade.
The visits formed part of the controller’s stakeholder engagement strategy aimed at building stronger relationships with traditional authorities whose leadership and influence are considered vital in mobilising community support for government policies and initiatives.
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During his visit to the palace of the Aseyin of Iseyin, Adewole expressed appreciation for the warm reception given to him and his delegation.
He noted that the Customs Service recognises the significant role traditional institutions play in maintaining peace, security, and order within communities.
He added that the Oyo/Osun Area Command remains committed to its core mandates of revenue generation, suppression of smuggling, and facilitation of legitimate trade, while seeking the cooperation of community leaders in educating residents on the negative effects of smuggling on the nation’s economy.
Responding, Oba Adeyeri III commended the Customs Service for its efforts in protecting the country’s economy and assured the controller of the continued support of the traditional institution in discouraging smuggling and promoting lawful trade in the community.
Similarly, during the visit to the palace of the Soun of Ogbomosho, Adewole reiterated the command’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with traditional rulers and other stakeholders to improve operational effectiveness.
He stressed that community cooperation remains crucial to the success of Customs operations.
In his remarks, Oba Olaoye described the visit as timely and commendable, assuring the controller of the support of the people of Ogbomosho in assisting the Customs Service in its efforts to combat smuggling and promote legitimate trade.
The courtesy visits, according to the command, underscore the Oyo/Osun Area Command’s commitment to deepening synergy with traditional institutions as key partners in ensuring economic stability, security, and national development.
