CSR: Customs Renovates, Donates Learning Materials To Christ Assembly School In Lagos

There was an atmosphere of joy and excitement on Thursday at Christ Assembly Nursery and Primary School, Rasaki Street, Olodi Apapa, Lagos, as dignitaries gathered to commission the renovated and newly equipped school.

This achievement became possible after the Tin Can Island Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, through its newly established corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative known as ‘Customs Cares,’ undertook the renovation of the school. The Command provided new chairs and tables, equipped the information and technology room, and supplied over 2,000 additional learning materials for the pupils.

Comptroller M. I. Ibrahim, head of Customs Cares, commenced the event with opening remarks, expressing gratitude to the Customs Area Controller of the TICP Command for launching the project. She encouraged the school’s management to utilize the upgraded facilities and educational materials effectively.

Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs for Zone A, Charles Orbih, remarked that the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) is committed not only to its primary mandates but also to meaningful CSR initiatives. He noted the official launch of Customs Cares in Abuja earlier this year, with the Apapa Area Command leading efforts to renovate schools in the South West. He emphasized the NCS’s dedication to sustainable development and leaving a positive legacy.

The event featured vibrant cultural displays, including a performance by an Eyo group.

Paul Adeboye Kalejaye, a member of the Federal House of Representatives representing the Ajeromi/Ifelodun constituency, commended the NCS for its noble gesture in renovating and equipping the school, reflecting the appreciation of the local community.

Oba Maroof Ayokunle Oluwa, the Olu of Iwa and Apapa kingdom, also thanked the TICP Command and the entire NCS for the impactful project, acknowledging the joy it brought to teachers and pupils alike.

Mayor Fatai Ayoola, chairman of Ajeromi/Ifelodun Local Government Area, lauded the NCS and called for continued developmental projects for the peaceful community.

Lagos State Commissioner for Basic Education, Tolani Alli-Balogun, reiterated the government’s commitment to continuous improvement in education quality and expressed readiness to collaborate with private individuals and government agencies to further educational policies.

The school’s headmistress, Mrs. Esther Ogunfuyi, in her address, said, “By renovating our school, you have renewed our pride and hope. By adopting us, you’ve demonstrated a commitment to ongoing support and partnership that will shape our pupils’ future. Your generosity has created a safer, more inspiring, and dignified environment for teaching and learning.”

Comptroller-General of Customs Adewale Adeniyi disclosed the Service’s CSR target for 2025 is to reach 50,000 students with provisions such as school bags, notebooks, shoes, rain jackets, and umbrellas. He stated that, so far, 10,000 pupils—including 3,000 in Lagos—have benefited. “Today, we are giving learning aids to 2,000 school pupils to provide a better learning environment,” he said. He also revealed plans to reach 10 million Nigerians through various health interventions, in line with the NCS’s CSR mandate.

Before the Customs Service’s intervention, Christ Assembly Nursery and Primary School’s physical structures had dangerously deteriorated. With these renovations, the school is now equipped with computers and modern learning aids to help pupils adapt to contemporary educational methods.

In his closing remarks, Comptroller Frank Onyeka, Customs Area Controller of Tin Can Command, thanked the Comptroller-General for the opportunity to be part of this laudable project. He acknowledged the encouragement from the headmistress and praised all Command stakeholders for their partnership and support, noting, “The excitement from the headmistress is enough motivation for us to do more. I commend everyone involved for their determination and roles in the project’s success.”