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By Gabriel Dike
The Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ), yesterday, conferred a fellowship award on the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Dr. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.
Adeniyi became the first alumnus of NIJ to bag the fellowship award. He joined others such as President Bola Tinubu, Aremo Olusegun Osoba, former Ogun State Governor, Mr. Sam Amuka, publisher of Vanguard, Mr. John Momoh, owner of Channels Television, Sir. Kesington Adebutu and several others.
In his address, Chairman, NIJ Governing Council, Aremo Osoba, revealed that President Tiunbu approved the conferment of the fellowship award on the CGC.
His words: “The award makes history on many fronts. First, what we are doing today was cleared by the president. The NIJ Council requested for his clearance to confer the fellowship award on Dr. Adeniyi and he gave the approval.
“Secondly, the CG is making history as the first alumnus to be conferred with the fellowship award. The Fellowship of NIJ is awarded to people who have recorded landmark achievements in their various fields.
“The last award four years ago was bestowed on Sir Adebutu and it was because of his intervention in education and development of the youths. The third reason for this gathering is that Adeniyi graduated from NIJ and being a shining example of the alumnus, he rose through the ranks to become the CG of Nigerian Customs Service.“
According to him, when names are mentioned among the CGs in this country, his name will be among, even as he noted that there has been increased Customs revenue from billions to trillions under his watch.
The former governor revealed that when Adeniyi’s name was brought before the governing council for deliberation, it was a unanimous decision.
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In his remarks, NIJ Provost, Mr. Gbenga Adefaye, said the oldest journalism institute has honoured several prominent Nigerians and that the hall of fame include President Tinubu, Osoba and Adebutu, among others.
Adefaye said the Academic Board recommended Adeniyi’s name to the NIJ governing council and it was approved because of his numerous achievements. Today, history is being made. Adeniyi becomes the first NIJ alumnus to be conferred with the fellowship award.
“This honour represents more than individual achievements. As Public Relations Officer of Customs, he improved the image of the service; his professional journey includes obtaining MSc and Ph.D.
The provost said when Adeniyi assumed office in 2023, he intensified the fight against smuggling, leveraged ICT to improve the service delivery and improved the revenue generation of Customs.
In his response, Adeniyi appreciated the institute for conferring on him the fellowship award, saying he accepted the honour with his full hand.
He added: “I walked through the gate of this institute in 1989. I came to the right place and undertook a basic course. What the course gave me, I have carried it in the last 40 decades. This institute instilled in me values and discipline and they have followed me throughout my career.
“NIJ has invested in me and today, NIJ, through the fellowship award, is saying that investment is not a waste.’’
The CG promised to build a multimedia complex and provide a new transformer for NIJ radio station to improve service, adding, “I did not come to NIJ to receive, I came to give back. In recognition of what NIJ has done in my life, my friend and I will construct and deliver a two-storey build multi-media complex.’’
Adeniyi said the multi-media project is aimed at equipping the students and it will include studio, staff rooms and ICT rooms.
