- He also revealed plans to upgrade the NIJ Community Radio from an online platform
- Adeniyi announced plans to support the institute with the construction of a two-storey multimedia resource centre
The Nigerian Institute of Journalism has awarded its Fellowship to the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi, in recognition of his outstanding career, reform-driven leadership, and contributions to public communication and border management.
Eko Hot Blog gathered that Adeniyi, who studied Public Relations at the institute in 1989, became the first former student to be elevated to its Fellowship rank while serving as the head of a federal agency, marking a notable milestone for the institution.
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The award was presented during a special convocation held at the Sir Kensington Adebutu Media Resource Centre in Ogba, Lagos.
The event attracted a wide range of dignitaries, including former Ogun State governor Olusegun Osoba, veteran journalist Ray Ekpu, and media executive Sam Amuka, alongside other council members and prominent figures from the media, security, and academic sectors.
Also present were the President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, Eze Anaba, Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, and Chairman of the Trade Modernization Project, Saleh Ahmadu, as well as senior customs officers and representatives of the Nigeria Police Force.
Speaking at the ceremony, NIJ Provost Gbenga Adefaye said the honour was based on Adeniyi’s ability to balance enforcement responsibilities with trade facilitation through reforms, modernization, and consistent engagement with stakeholders.
Adeniyi’s career in the Nigeria Customs Service has spanned several strategic roles, including Public Relations Officer, Area Controller at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Commandant of the Customs Command and Staff College, and Deputy Comptroller General in charge of research and policy.
He was appointed Comptroller General in 2023 by President Bola Tinubu and currently chairs the World Customs Organization.
In his acceptance speech, Adeniyi described the recognition as deeply meaningful, reflecting on his early days as a student at the institute and the values it instilled in him, including professionalism, discipline, and continuous self-development.
He credited those principles with shaping his nearly four decades in public service and described the honour as a full-circle moment that affirmed the impact of the institution on his career.
As part of his remarks, Adeniyi announced plans to support the institute with the construction of a two-storey multimedia resource centre. The facility, he said, will include studios, editing suites, lecture rooms, and administrative spaces aimed at strengthening practical training for students.
He also revealed plans to upgrade the NIJ Community Radio from an online platform to a terrestrial station by providing a broadcast transmitter, enabling it to reach wider audiences.
According to him, these initiatives form part of the Nigeria Customs Service’s broader corporate social responsibility efforts focused on education, capacity building, and institutional development, with backing from the federal government.
Addressing students, Adeniyi encouraged persistence and dedication, urging them to continue developing their skills and remain committed to long-term growth, noting that recognition often comes with consistency and hard work.
Adeniyi, a Fellow of the International Public Relations Association and former Vice President of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, has received several honours, including the Member of the Federal Republic award, for his contributions to public service and institutional reform.
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