…As C-G Adeniyi promises to impact all 6 geo-political zones
Emma Ujah, Abuja Bureau Chief
The Minister of finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, today launched the Nigeria Customs Service Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) “Customs Cares” initiative, urging Nigerian youths, “No need to Japa,” (migrate abroad).
Speaking at the Government Secondary School, Wuse, Abuja, the venue of the launch, the minister said that life was becoming better for Nigerians at home, saying prices of fuel and other commodities were falling and that the development would be sustained.
His words, “At a population of over 200 million, going to 220 million, 42%, (of youth population) you are the biggest stakeholders. You are those whom we are working for, and why we are here today is to assure you that we not only care, but we are working assiduously to ensure that you have a bright future, that you have well-paid, good quality jobs in Nigeria. No need for ‘Japa.’
“In fact, those that ‘Japa’ will come back to join you under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership of the economy. So, having said that, and having given you that message, that the most important activity I’m doing today is to come here to be part of this occasion, which is all about helping young people, students, pupils of this secondary school, and to provide for them. All this is for you. It is not for us.
“As a ministry, we are proud to witness this momentous moment. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda is a whole-of-government approach to national development, where every institution, including, as we are seeing here today, Customs, plays its part. As having the privilege of being the Coordinating Minister of the Economy, I’m particularly impressed by the holistic approach adopted by Customs.
“We are at a stage now, after much hard work, we are seeing the benefits of President Tinubu’s courageous leadership and economic dexterity and skill. Inflation is coming down. Food prices are lower. Petrol prices are lower. Exchange rate is stable.
“These are things that we can see and feel happening in the economy. And the commitment is to make sure that there is even more achievement, even more progress in this direction. Things by God’s grace and the hard work of the Tinubu administration will continue in the right direction and continue to get better.”
The Minister commended the foresight of the management of Customs for the comprehensive CSR initiative.
In his address, the Comptroller-General (C-G) of Customs, Mr. Adewale Adeniyi, said that the “Customs Cares” initiative was in recognition of the organisation’s role in community empowerment with six key pillars including: education, health, food security, Environmental Sustainability, and social investments (under which water boreholes, electricity infrastructure and skills acquisition programs would be provided.
His words, “The “Customs Cares” initiative represents our comprehensive approach to CSR, designed to foster inclusive growth and create sustainable impact across Nigerian communities where we operate. This program is designed to be rolled out in phases within traditional CSR frameworks and will adopt a multidimensional strategy that addresses critical social, educational, and infrastructural gaps in underserved communities.”
Customs Cares, Mr. Adeniyi said, would be delivered through strategic partnerships with local stakeholders, government agencies, and international development organizations, to deliver measurable, long-term benefits that empower citizens and strengthen Civic sustainability.
According to him, “This initiative is strategically aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which emphasizes holistic national development through targeted interventions in critical sectors. The programme is intended to support the 8 priority areas outlined in the agenda while simultaneously advancing the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Inspired by the 2 frameworks, we are focusing on 6 key pillars, implementing a rich mix of activities that will be carried out in all areas of our operation, including the Border areas.
A new Unit, was created under the Office of the C-G to implement the projects and prohrammes of Customs Cares.
The Customs boss announced the provision of CCTV cameras for GSS Wuse, in addition to street solar light, scholarships, renovation of the school hall and esducational material such as books and bags, among others.
“This initiative represents the first of many interventions planned across our operational areas in Nigeria’s 6 geopolitical zones, and I am pleased to announce that within the FCT, we will adopt one school in each Local Area Council, implementing tailored programs that address the unique needs and challenges of each institution,” he said.
Funding
The C-G disclosed that the CSR would be funded with 4 percent of customs officers’ wage bill, which translates to 50 percent of one month’s salary, as well as, individual contributions.
In his remarks, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa urged the NCS to consult with the schools and state governments to know their priority needs.
The post Edun launches “Customs Cares”, says no need for youths to “Japa” appeared first on Vanguard News.
