By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
Ipokia, Ogun State
The Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), Ogun Area 1 Command, Idiroko, has strengthened collaboration with traditional institutions in Ipokia Local Government Area following a courtesy visit led by the Area Controller, Comptroller Afeni, to the palace of the Onipokia of Ipokia Kingdom, Oba Sola Adeniyi Olaniyan.
The visit brought together senior Customs officers, prominent traditional rulers from across Ipokia Local Government Area, and key community stakeholders to deliberate on pressing challenges confronting the border communities, particularly border security, community development, and residents’ welfare.
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Receiving the delegation, Oba Olaniyan described the engagement as timely and strategic, noting that sustained cooperation between security agencies and traditional rulers remains critical to peace, stability, and development in border areas.
“Ipokia is a strategic border community, and our people bear the daily consequences of cross-border activities—both legal and illegal,” the monarch said. “We appreciate the Nigerian Customs Service for recognising the importance of traditional institutions in addressing security challenges and promoting community stability.”
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According to the Onipokia, discussions during the meeting highlighted the need for enhanced intelligence sharing, improved community relations, and stronger corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives by government agencies operating within the border communities.
“Security cannot be achieved by force alone,” Oba Olaniyan added. “It requires trust, dialogue, and understanding between Customs officers and host communities. When our youths are engaged and our welfare concerns are addressed, criminal elements will find it difficult to thrive.”
The monarch also called for increased investment in social infrastructure and welfare programmes, stressing that residents of Ipokia and other border communities play a critical role in supporting Nigeria’s economic and national security objectives.
Speaking during the engagement, Comptroller Afeni reaffirmed the Nigerian Customs Service’s commitment to lawful trade facilitation, effective border security, and cordial relations with host communities. He acknowledged the strategic role of traditional rulers in maintaining peace and pledged continued collaboration with community leaders to curb smuggling and other trans-border crimes.
Other traditional rulers present echoed similar concerns, calling for sustained dialogue, mutual trust, and inclusive development policies that reflect the unique realities of border communities in Ogun State.
Among the traditional rulers present at the meeting were Oba Moruf Awode, the Ololo of Ijofin; Oba Olamide Adesiyan, the Onihunbo of Ihunbo; Oba James Igbowu, the Opo of Idosemo; and Oba Adesola Akinpelu, the Oja of Agosasa, alongside several other royal fathers from the local government area.
Also in attendance was a respected son of the soil and retired diplomat, Ambassador Abolurin (Rtd.) Balogun of Ipokia Kingdom, who underscored the importance of community-based intelligence and inclusive governance in tackling cross-border crimes.
The meeting ended with a mutual resolution to deepen collaboration between the Nigerian Customs Service and traditional institutions in Ipokia, with a shared goal of enhancing security, promoting economic stability, and improving the welfare of residents across the border communities.
