…as Customs Collaborates with Integration Art Palace to Organize 5-Day Festival of Art Program in Ogun
…Event focused more on promoting legal trade through Art
Customs Area Controller (CAC), Ogun 1 Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, Comptroller Ahmadu Shuaibu has reassured participants present at a 5-day Festival of Art for Economic Development Programme organized in collaboration with the Integration Art Palace and Tour Company, of continuous support from the Command for the festival’s sustainability.
Comptroller Shuaibu gave the assurance while speaking at a Symposium held at the Command’s Headquarters to mark the third day of the Art Festival event.
He described the programme as a panacea for youth restiveness, emphasizing the importance of creative art in attracting tourists which is a viable means of livelihood and further encouraged the need for development of skills in creative art.
Comptroller Shuaibu, who also expressed gratitude to organiser of the event, Dr. Bonny Botoku, for coming up with such a unique initiative, congratulated the younger participants for their activeness in the program.
Also speaking at the symposium was Assistant Comptroller of Customs Emmanuella Chukwu, the guest speaker of the symposium, who highlighted the core functions of Nigeria Customs Service to include revenue generation, suppression of smuggling, facilitation of lawful trade, and security of the nation’s borders.
AC Chukwu identified various revenue generated from import duties, excise duties, auction sales, and export proceeds as parts of NCS contributions to the development of the nation. She further emphasized NCS’s role in anti-smuggling activities and counter-terrorism efforts as a means through which the Service contributes to the national security.
Also in his speech, Dr. Bonny A. Botoku, the organizer of the event, emphasized how his love for art inspired him to initiate the festival and also rekindle hope in the heart of younger generation
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.
To him, his collaboration with Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) was due to the Service significant contributions to the economy and national security. He thus appreciated the Command’s support in ensuring the festival’s success.
The event which was the third edition of its kind, lasted for 5 days with the theme, “The Role of Nigeria Customs Service in Economic Development and National Security.”
Participants from different sections were in attendance among whom are students from Olabisi Onabanjo University, Yaba College of Technology Students, selected secondary school students from Ipokia Local Government Area, while dignitaries like the Customs Area Controller (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 graced the symposium held at the Command’s conference hall.
According to CSC Hammed Oloyede, Public Relations Officer of the Command, the ceremony started on Saturday, February 10, 2024, and ended on Wednesday, February 14, 2024.
“On the first day which was Saturday, participants paid homage to the Oniko of Ikolaje Idiroko, Oba John Olakunle Ojo JP, while on the second day, they went on a familiarization tour with Chief Superintendent of Customs, Hammed Oloyede, to 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. The grand finale of the occasion took place at the Integration Art Palace and Tour cultural center in Idiroko where Certificates of participation were presented to all participants by the Customs Area Controller ably represented by Deputy Comptroller Administration, DC Charles Ogunesan. Prizes were also awarded to best three secondary school participants based on performance, with consolation prizes given to others for encouragement. The art exhibition was officially opened by the CAC’s representative, and it continues until the end of February 2024,” CSC Oloyede stated.
