WE MUST CATCH THEM YOUNG; AS COMPT ONYEKA HARPS ON EDUCATION AS BEDROCK OF HUMAN DEVELOPMENT
The Customs Area Controller of Tin-Can lsland Port Command, Comptroller Frank Onyeka, has reaffirmed the Nigeria Customs
Service’s (NCS) commitment to community development through education, in alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Speaking during the commissioning of a recently renovated school adopted by the Command, Comptroller Onyeka explained that the Customs Service is now more focused on making a direct impact in its host communities -particularly through educational support. He said the initiative reflects a new approach. driven by the president’s call to “do things differently from what was the norm.”
“We were advised to look into the communities where we work and see how we can make a real difference,” he said. “That’s why we began searching for schools we could support. We chose schools because once children are constructively engaged, they are taken off the
streets.” according to Hybrid News
Comptroller Onyeka noted that after
identifying the right school, the Command took steps to renovate the facility and provide educational support. “To the glory of God, we saw a place where we could make a meaningful impact” he said.
He expressed deep appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, for his support and approval of the project, as well as to other stakeholders like Alhaja Mujiba and Ndigbo Amaka, who aligned with the Command’s vision and gave their support without hesitation.
Although the project did not follow the exact timeline he had envisioned, Comptroller Onyeka said he was satisfied with the outcome and optimistic about its long-term impact. “It didn’t come as expected, but we are where we are by the grace of God,” he stated.
He stressed that the educational intervention also contributes to economic development, as keeping children in school helps reduce societal risks and enhances human capital development. “If kids are not in school, they’re on the streets and could becomea nuisance. But if they are constructively engaged, we are building capacity –and when you build capacity, you’re investing in the future,” he said.
He further applauded the women who actively participated in the community demonstration during the event, highlighting their enthusiasm for learning. “As they say, ‘Train a woman, train a nation. Most of those who came out today were Women. That shows they are ready to learn, and we give it to them,” he noted.
Comptroller Onyeka emphasized that the renovation was not a one-off CSR gesture, but a long-term commitment. “We are not just here to renovate; we are taking ownership. And by the grace of God, we will work in sync with the Ministry of Education on a broader scale to ensure that our involvement remains impactful and sustainable,” he concluded.