By Peace Udugba -The daily torch media
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, has been conferred with a Fellowship Award by the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, in recognition of his professional achievements and contributions to national development.
The honour was bestowed during a special convocation ceremony held on Wednesday, April 15, 2026. Adeniyi described the recognition as both personally and professionally significant.
“This institution planted in me a set of values that I did not fully understand at the time, but have lived by ever since: professionalism as a standard, not a performance; discipline as a habit, not an event; and continuous self-development as a personal obligation—not to an employer or a rank, but to oneself,” he said.
He noted that the award goes beyond personal recognition, extending to the Nigeria Customs Service as an institution. According to him, the honour underscores the importance of dedication and service, adding that recognition often comes from unexpected quarters.
As part of his commitment to the institute, Adeniyi announced plans to support the establishment of a modern multimedia and resource centre aimed at enhancing practical training for students.
He explained that the proposed facility would be developed after a needs assessment and would include a two-storey building equipped with a radio station, editing and production suites, and integrated multimedia systems covering audio, video, animation, text, and imaging.
In his remarks, Chairman of the Governing Council, Olusegun Osoba, described the event as historic, noting that the conferment received approval from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Osoba further revealed that Adeniyi is the first alumnus of the institute to receive the fellowship, adding that the honour is reserved for individuals with outstanding accomplishments in their respective fields.
Similarly, the Provost of the institute, Gbenga Adefaye, said the award reflects the enduring values of the institution, including discipline, ethical responsibility, and intellectual rigour. He added that Adeniyi’s career exemplifies how these values can translate into impactful leadership beyond journalism.
