Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Sen Lekan Balogun CFR, Alli Okunmade II, has described the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) as the life-wire of the nation’s economy.
The first class traditional ruler also eulogised the Service as he said it is one to be proud of in terms of acknowledged efficiency globally.
Oba Balogun said this during the visit of the Acting Comptroller-General (ACG) of the NCS, Adewale Adeniyi to the Alarere residence of the traditional ruler.
AGS Adeniyi was accompanied by his top management team on the visit to the paramount ruler of Ibadanland, on Monday.
Oba Balogun noted in a statement by his Personal Assistant (Media), Oladele Ogunsola, that the contributions of the NCS to the economic well-being of the country cannot be over-emphasised.
He, however, charged ACG Adeniyi, not only to maintain the standard, but also to improve on it.
The traditional ruler spoke through the Ajiroba of Ibadanland, Chief Soji Adejumo, on the contributions of the Service to the national economy.
“The NCS is also a source of pride to us in the country as it ranks among the best globally in terms of efficiency and professionalism.
“We urge the new ACG to remain focused and committed to the mandate of the agency of sustaining our economy the way it has been doing.
“[He should] improve on the existing template of revenue generation towards making a remarkable impact during his tenure as we pray for the guidance of Almighty God to uphold you in the onerous task,”Olubadan added.
Earlier in his address, ACG Adeniyi, who described himself as an Ibadan man, said Olubadan was the first traditional ruler to be visited in his working visit.
He said the visit was to show his recognition of the Olubadan and the importance attached to the Ibadan stool.
ACG Adeniyi stressed that all the activities in the NCS revolve around the community, noting that the importance of the traditional ruler in that regard was a crucial factor.
“All what we are doing in the agency are community-based and there’s no way we can take such critical stakeholder for granted.
“I am here in the palace to seek for royal blessings in recognition of our traditional rulers as the custodians of our culture and traditions.
“We acknowledge Your Majesty’s support, understanding and cooperation over the years.
“I covet same to take the agency farther in height of performance, professionalism and efficiency,” he added.
The ACG disclosed that the operations of the agency in the South -West are the biggest.
He, therefore, called for the support and cooperation of the citizenry in order for the zone to remain on top among the others in the country.
The visit had in attendance the Ekerin Olubadan, Oba Hamidu Ajibade, Olori Olufunmilayo Balogun and other notable people.
