Celebration as CGC Adeniyi bags NIJ Fellowship, pledges Multimedia Centre for Journalism Development
Maureen Aguta
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 at a special convocation ceremony held on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, where Adeniyi described the recognition as both a personal milestone and a testament to the enduring values instilled in him by the institution.
Reflecting on his formative years at the NIJ, the Customs boss said the institute laid the foundation for principles that have guided his career trajectory.
“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 rank, but to oneself,” he said.
Adeniyi noted that the fellowship transcends individual recognition, extending to the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), whose personnel, he said, remain committed to national service despite operating largely outside the public spotlight.
“What it means for us is that while we render service to our country, some people somewhere are watching, and our day of reward can come like this,” he added.
In a major highlight of the event, the CGC announced plans to support the development of a state-of-the-art multimedia and resource centre at the institute, aimed at strengthening hands-on training for journalism students.
According to him, the proposed facility—subject to a needs assessment—will be a two-storey complex equipped with modern broadcast and production infrastructure, including a radio station, editing and production suites, and integrated multimedia systems covering audio, video, animation, text, and imaging.
“We will be working with the school to put up a building that brings together all major components of modern journalism practice,” Adeniyi said, underscoring the importance of aligning media training with evolving technological realities.
Chairman of the NIJ Governing Council, Olusegun Osoba, described the occasion as historic, noting that the conferment received the approval of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Osoba disclosed that Adeniyi is the first alumnus of the institute to be awarded the fellowship, an honour reserved for individuals who have distinguished themselves in their respective fields.
“He graduated from here and has remained a shining example of what this institute represents,” he said.
Also speaking, the Provost of the NIJ, Gbenga Adefaye, said the award reflects the institution’s enduring commitment to discipline, ethical responsibility, and intellectual rigour.
He added that Adeniyi’s career exemplifies how foundational training in journalism can translate into impactful leadership across diverse sectors.
The event drew members of the media, academia, and public service, highlighting the continued relevance of journalism education in shaping national leadership and public institutions.