The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has once again demonstrated its unwavering commitment to transparency and press freedom, as Comptroller-General Adewale Adeniyi was celebrated with the “Media Promoter and Advocate of Press Freedom Award” during the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) 70th Anniversary Gala and Awards Night.
Held on Saturday, June 21, 2025, at the prestigious Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja, the milestone celebration, themed NUJ@70, spotlighted the union’s historic role in safeguarding democratic ideals through credible journalism. The grand event featured a keynote address, a commemorative book presentation, and award recognitions for key personalities who have significantly shaped the Nigerian media space.
The Comptroller-General’s award was presented by the Deputy Governor of Bauchi State, His Excellency Rt. Hon. Mohammed Auwal Jatau, on behalf of the NUJ 70th Anniversary Committee.
Receiving the award on behalf of the CGC, the National Public Relations Officer of the Service, Assistant Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada, lauded the NUJ for the honour and reaffirmed CGC Adeniyi’s unwavering support for the media as a critical partner in national development.
“This award reflects the visionary leadership of CGC Adeniyi, who as a communications professional, fully appreciates the essential role of the press in democracy and accountability,” AC Maiwada stated. “He has built a culture of openness in the Customs Service and empowered PROs across commands to build stronger relationships with the media.”
Maiwada added that under Adeniyi’s leadership, the NCS has recorded groundbreaking improvements in public communication, media accessibility, and stakeholder engagement, all of which have reinforced public confidence and institutional integrity.
“This honour will further energise the Service to advance its partnership with journalists and continue aligning its public relations strategies with international best practices,” he said.
In a parallel honour, retired Customs officer and the traditional ruler, Kanwan Katsina, Comptroller UK Bello (rtd), was also conferred with the Media Support Award for his decades-long advocacy for press freedom and open communication. Known for his professionalism and dedication, Bello served as Public Relations Officer and later Area Comptroller before ascending the throne.
In his acceptance speech, the royal father expressed gratitude to the NUJ and paid glowing tribute to the leadership of CGC Adeniyi. “This award is for every Customs officer who understands the power of communication,” he said, pledging continued support for media engagement even in retirement.
The NUJ@70 gala was not just a night of honour, but a resounding call to deepen press-government collaboration in building a better Nigeria. As the Customs Service continues to rebrand itself through digital transformation and transparency-driven communication, its recognition at the event underscores the growing synergy between national institutions and the media.
fasnewsng.com was live at the event to capture the historic moments and celebrate the champions of press freedom.
By Fikunmi Sokoya