The Acting Area Controller of the Oyo/Osun Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Deputy Comptroller Wale Adewole, has taken a proactive approach in combating smuggling and promoting legitimate trade by engaging with traditional institutions in Oyo State.
On Thursday, Adewole made separate courtesy visits to the palaces of the Aseyin of Iseyin, Oba (Dr.) Sefiu Olawale Oyebola Adeyeri III, and the Soun of Ogbomosho, Oba Ghandi Olaoye. These visits aimed to solicit the support of the traditional rulers in mobilizing their communities to stand against smuggling and illegal trading activities.
During his visit to the Aseyin’s palace, Adewole expressed gratitude for the warm reception. He highlighted the critical role of traditional institutions in maintaining peace and fostering lawful economic activities within their regions. “We consider traditional institutions as essential allies in our quest to fortify the nation’s economy,” he stated.
Adewole reaffirmed the NCS’s commitment to its core responsibilities, including revenue generation and suppression of smuggling. He noted that community awareness and cooperation are crucial in addressing the economic and security challenges posed by illegal trade.
In response, Oba Adeyeri commended the Nigeria Customs Service for its efforts in protecting the country’s economic interests and pledged support from the palace to educate residents about the dangers of illegal trade practices.
Later, Adewole visited the Soun of Ogbomosho’s palace, where he reiterated the need for collaboration between security agencies and traditional authorities to enhance operational effectiveness against smuggling.
Oba Olaoye described the visit as both timely and commendable, affirming the Ogbomosho community’s commitment to assisting the Customs Service in this initiative.
These engagements exemplify the Oyo/Osun Area Command’s strategy of leveraging traditional leadership to bolster community involvement in protecting the nation’s economy and fostering sustainable development.
