The Ijakadi Hall of the Radisson Blu Hotel in Ikeja GRA, Lagos was in frenzy last Sunday evening when friends of the accomplished Customs Officer, Adewale Bashir Adeniyi, hosted an exclusive dinner to celebrate his elevation to the top as the Acting Comptroller-General in his Nigeria Customs Service journey. Tagged ‘A Celebration of Wale Adeniyi’s Odyssey’, the soiree —put together by a committee of friends including Chief Adedayo Ojo, Mr. Soji Awogbade and Dr. Tunji Olugbodi to mention a few— had in attendance top monarchs, maritime chiefs, media moguls and corporate highfliers including Karl Toriola, Femi Adesina, Yomi Badejo-Okusanya, Dare Babarinsa and Dele Momodu who came to honour the Modakeke-born super Customs administrator. Amidst thrills and frills, with the best of cuisines and choice drinks served, the distinguished guests were serenaded by the La’Vie Band, a multi-genre performing band. One after the other, these friends and associates poured encomiums and celebrated the accomplishment and remarkable career of Adeniyi, who was flanked by his beloved wife, Kikelomo.
As the 14th indigenous CG and 31st since its establishment in 1891, Adeniyi brings his wealth of experience and leadership skills into his esteemed position. A professional that is conscious of the need to build a solid image for the agency, Adeniyi once served as Customs Spokesman for almost a decade. He does not only hold the record of the longest serving National Public Relations Officer of Customs —from June 2003 to May 2011— he also won the Comptroller-General of Customs Award for seizure of over $8 million cash at the E-Wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in January 2020 as the Controller of the Airport Command, Lagos.
Shortly after, in February 2020, he was promoted to the rank of Assistant Comptroller General and was subsequently posted to head the Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College, Gwagwalada, Abuja as Commandant.
In recognition of his service, former President Muhammadu Buhari, on October 11, 2022, conferred the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) on Adeniyi.