Ag. CG Bashir Adeniyi leads the way in Customs marathon
Story from Haruna YUSUF, Abuja
Acting Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, took the lead in a marathon exercise alongside officers and personnel of the Service.
This initiative is part of his efforts to ensure that his team maintains peak physical and mental fitness.
The theme for this trekking exercise was “Work-Life Balance: Balancing for a Better Tomorrow.” It kicked off in the early hours of Saturday, September 23, 2023, starting from Customs Headquarters in Wuse Zone 3 and concluding at the newly constructed Customs House in Maitama, both located in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory.
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This event represents a strategic approach by the Ag. CGC to enhance the agility of the Nigeria Customs Service’s officers and personnel.
Following the route march, the Ag. CGC emphasized that the exercise’s goal is to keep officers physically and mentally fit, enabling them to carry out their constitutional duties effectively.
He stated, “We have gathered here to launch a transformative initiative that reflects the core values of our beloved Service – the Work-Life Balance Initiative.”
He further explained that this physical exercise demonstrates Customs’ commitment to strengthening various aspects of national development, fostering connections with stakeholders, and embracing technological innovations.
“As officers and personnel, we often face immense pressure to fulfill our various responsibilities, much of which originates from our workplaces due to the physically and mentally demanding nature of our tasks. Therefore, this exercise will help alleviate such pressures and enhance our productivity at work,” he emphasized.
The Ag. CGC noted that the Nigeria Customs Service has established 32 clinics and medical centers across the country over the past 15 years to cater to the health needs of its officers.
He added, “As we embark on this journey, it is essential to grasp the significance of this initiative and why we must launch it.”
He encouraged them to continue engaging in additional physical activities such as jogging, mountain hiking, dancing, and other recreational pursuits, emphasizing that adopting a work-life balance would not only improve their health but also contribute to enhancing the Service’s efficiency.
The Customs Chief also highlighted that the exercise would promote unity and camaraderie among Customs officers nationwide, stating, “Participating in this brisk walking exercise fosters friendship, unity, and a shared sense of purpose among us.”
The brisk walking exercise was attended by Deputy Comptroller-Generals of Customs overseeing various units, Assistant Comptroller-Generals, as well as all Comptrollers from Assistant of Customs III rank and below.
Additionally, participants from the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry, Nigerian Correctional Center, Immigration Service, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, and the Nigerian Army also joined the ‘Work-Life Balance’ exercise.
