Nigeria Customs Service Announces Major Investment in Journalism Development
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has unveiled ambitious plans to construct a state-of-the-art multimedia centre, including a radio station, dedicated to advancing journalism education and practical training. This initiative was disclosed by the Customs Comptroller-General, Adewale Adeniyi, during a special convocation ceremony where he was honoured with a Fellowship Award by the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ) on Wednesday, 15 April 2026.
Fellowship Award Marks Professional Milestone
Adeniyi received the prestigious fellowship in recognition of his significant professional achievements and contributions to national development. In his acceptance speech, he emphasized the personal and professional importance of the award, noting that it reflects the values instilled in him during his time at the institute. "This institution planted in me a set of values that I did not fully understand at the time, but have lived by ever since: professionalism as a standard, not a performance; discipline as a habit, not an event; and continuous self-development as a personal obligation," he stated.
Commitment to Enhancing Journalism Training
As part of his commitment to the NIJ, Adeniyi pledged to fund the establishment of a two-storey multimedia resource centre following a comprehensive needs assessment. The centre will feature:
- A fully equipped radio station for hands-on broadcasting experience.
- Advanced editing suites for audio and video production.
- Production facilities to support multimedia content creation.
- Integration of various multimedia components, including audio, video, animation, text, and images.
"So we would be working with the school after the conduct of needs assessment to put up a building, a two-story building that would be a multimedia and resource centre," Adeniyi explained. He highlighted that this project aims to provide students with practical training opportunities, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application in journalism.
Broader Significance for the Customs Service
Adeniyi underscored that the fellowship award extends beyond personal recognition to honour the Nigeria Customs Service as an institution. "What it means for us is that while we render service to our country, some people somewhere are watching and our day of rewards can actually come like this," he remarked. This acknowledgment reinforces the service's role in national development and its commitment to supporting educational initiatives.
Historic Event with Presidential Approval
The conferment ceremony was described as historic by Chief Olusegun Osoba, Chairman of the Governing Council, who revealed that the award was approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Osoba noted that Adeniyi is the first alumnus of the institute to receive the fellowship, which is reserved for individuals with outstanding achievements in their respective fields. "He graduated from here and has been a shining example of an ex-student of this institute in his area of endeavour," Osoba added.
Institutional Values and Leadership Impact
Gbenga Adefaye, the Provost of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, commented that the award reflects the enduring values of the institution, such as discipline, ethical responsibility, and intellectual rigour. He praised Adeniyi's career as a demonstration of how these values can translate into impactful leadership beyond the field of journalism, inspiring future generations of professionals.
This initiative by the Nigeria Customs Service represents a significant step towards enhancing journalism education in Nigeria, with the multimedia centre expected to become a hub for innovation and skill development in the media industry.
