In what could sound like Corporate Social Responsibility by Ogun 1 Area Command of Nigeria Customs Service, in collaboration with the Integration Art Palace and Tour company of Ogun state organized a Festival of Art for Economic Development programme. According to the report reaching this media through the Public Relations Officer, CSC Hammad Oloyede, the programme lasted for 5 days, commencing on Saturday, February 10, 2024, and concluding on Wednesday, February 14, 2024.
The programme which was the third of its kind had the theme “The Role of Nigeria Customs Service in Economic Development and National Security.” This time, the event attracted many visitors which included among others Olabisi Onabanjo University, Yaba College of Technology, and selected secondary schools in Ipokia Local Government Area. According to the release, on the first day, participants paid homage to the Oniko of Ikolaje Idiroko, Oba John Olakunle Ojo JP. On the second day, Sunday, February 11, 2024, the Command's PRO CSC Oloyede, took the participants on a tour of Sentry Customs House, where seized vehicles, petroleum products, and perishable items were warehoused. The destruction site for seized frozen poultry products and the circumstances surrounding the seizure of prohibited items were explicitly explained to the participants.
On the third day of the event, a symposium was held in the Conference room of the Command’s Headquarters. Dignitaries in attendance included the CAC, Ogun 1 Area Command, Comptroller Ahmadu Shuaibu, his management team, Director of DSS, Mr. IK Ikiriko, heads of other agencies, and the Deputy Mayor of Ifoyin Municipality, Igolo, Republic of Benin. The release from the Command's PRO was very explicit as it reads in parts thus; In his welcome address, the CAC commended the organizer, Dr. Bonny Botoku, for his initiative.
He congratulated the participants, especially the younger ones for the opportunity to participate. He described the programme as a panacea for youth restiveness and encouraged they development of skills in creative art. He also emphasized the importance of creative art in attracting tourists and as a viable means of livelihood. The CAC reassured continuous support from the Command for the festival's sustainability. "Dr. Bonny A. Botoku, the programme initiator, stated during his speech that his passion for art inspired him to initiate the festival to encourage the younger generation interested in it. He mentioned the careful selection of event dates, especially Valentine's Day, February 14, 2024, to celebrate youth in a more constructive manner aimed at preventing unwanted pregnancies. He explained his collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) due to its significant contributions to the economy and national security. He appreciated the Command's support in ensuring the festival's success. "AC Emmanuella Chukwu, the guest speaker at the symposium, highlighted the core functions of NCS, including revenue generation, suppression of smuggling, facilitation of lawful trade, and security of the nation's borders.
"The grand finale, marking the end of the occasion, took place on February 14, 2024, at the Integration Art Palace and Tour cultural center in Idiroko where certificates of participation were presented to the participants by the CAC, represented DC Charles Ogunesan, the Deputy Comptroller, Administration.
Prizes were awarded to the top three secondary school participants based on performance, with consolation prizes given to the others for encouragement.
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