Since the establishment of the Nigerian Customs Service in 1891, the new Acting Comptroller General, Adewale Adeniyi brings an unrivalled wealth of experience, expertise, and leadership skills into the esteemed position, having served in different positions in his sterling career in the Service.
A professional who is conscious of the need to build a solid image for the agency, Adeniyi once served as customs spokesman for almost a decade. He not only holds the record of the longest-serving National Public Relations Officer of Customs, from June 2003 to May 2011 but also won the Comptroller-General of Customs Award for the seizure of $8,065,612 million cash at the E-Wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in January 2020 as the Controller of the MMIA Command, Lagos.
In February 2020, he was promoted to the rank of Assistant Comptroller General and was subsequently posted to head the Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College, Gwagwalada, Abuja as Commandant. In recognition of his service, former President Muhammadu Buhari, on October 11, 2022, conferred the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic, MFR on Adeniyi.
There was a frenzy last Sunday at the prestigious Radisson Blu Hotel in Ikeja GRA, Lagos when friends of the accomplished Customs Officer hosted an exclusive dinner to celebrate his elevation to the topmost position in the Nigeria Customs Service.
Tagged ‘A Celebration of Wale Adeniyi’s Odyssey,’ the soiree was put together by a committee of friends, including Chief Adedayo Ojo, and Mr. Soji Awogbade to mention a few.
The event had in attendance top monarchs, maritime chiefs, media moguls and corporate highfliers, including Karl Toriola, Femi Adesina, Yomi Badejo-Okusanya, Dare Babarinsa, Dele Momodu, and Tunji Olugbodi, who stepped out to honour the Modakeke, Osun State-born super Customs administrator.
Amidst thrills and frills, with the best of cuisines and choice drinks served, the distinguished guests were serenaded by the La’Vie Band, a multi-genre performing band. One after the other, these friends and associates poured encomiums and celebrated the accomplishment and remarkable career of elated Adeniyi flanked by his beloved wife, Kikelomo.
As the 14th indigenous CG and 31st, many Nigerians are full of expectations to see Adeniyi make a big difference and justify the applause that has trailed his appointment as a thoroughbred career officer and the helmsman of the agency.
