The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, has been conferred with a Fellowship Award by the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ), in recognition of his professional accomplishments and contributions to national development.
The honour was bestowed during a special convocation ceremony held on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, where Adeniyi described the award as both a personal and professional milestone.
Reflecting on his time at the institute, he credited the NIJ for instilling in him enduring values that have shaped his career trajectory. He emphasised professionalism, discipline, and continuous self-development as principles he has upheld since his formative years at the institution.
Adeniyi noted that the recognition goes beyond his individual achievement, extending to the Nigeria Customs Service as a whole. According to him, the award underscored the importance of dedication to public service, adding that excellence does not go unnoticed.
As part of his commitment to giving back, the Customs boss announced plans to support the establishment of a state-of-the-art multimedia and resource centre at the institute. The proposed facility, he said, will feature a radio station, editing and production suites, and integrated platforms for multimedia training, including audio, video, animation, and digital content development.
He explained that the project would be executed after a comprehensive needs assessment in collaboration with the institute, with the goal of enhancing hands-on learning and equipping students with industry-relevant skills.
In his remarks, Chairman of the NIJ Governing Council, Olusegun Osoba, described the conferment as historic, revealing that it received the approval of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He noted that Adeniyi is the first alumnus of the institute to be awarded the fellowship, which is reserved for individuals with distinguished achievements.
Also speaking, the Provost of NIJ, Gbenga Adefaye, said the recognition reflected the institution’s core values of discipline, ethical responsibility, and intellectual rigour. He added that Adeniyi’s career exemplifies how these ideals can translate into impactful leadership across sectors.
The event drew stakeholders from the media, public service, and academia, highlighting the institute’s continued role in shaping leaders within and beyond the journalism profession.
