The prestigious palace of the Okere of Saki was a scene of high-level diplomacy on Wednesday as the Acting Controller of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Oyo/Osun Area Command, Deputy Comptroller Wale Moses Adewole, led a powerful delegation on a formal courtesy visit to the monarch.
The visit, which underscored the strategic importance of Saki as a gateway for regional trade, was aimed at strengthening the long-standing relationship between the Service and the traditional institution.
During the interface, Deputy Comptroller Adewole,an officer with a formidable professional profile and extensive field experience, described the Saki community as an indispensable “strategic partner” in the Command’s mission. He expressed profound gratitude to monarch for his consistent support of Customs operations, noting that local cooperation is vital to maintaining border security and facilitating legitimate commerce.
In a swift and statesman-like response, the Okere of Saki commended the NCS for its role in national security and economic stability. However, the monarch used the occasion to advocate strongly for the economic welfare of his subjects. While characterizing Saki as a naturally hospitable hub for business, the Kabiyesi made a passionate appeal to the Federal Government to provide the necessary infrastructure to allow local trade to flourish.
In a significant policy recommendation, the Okere renewed his call for the establishment of dedicated, official border stations within the Saki axis. He argued that formalizing these entry points is essential to regulate and support legal cross-border trade, ensuring that local entrepreneurs can operate within a recognized statutory framework.
Turning his attention to regional safety, the monarch emphasized that “all hands must be on deck” to ensure the security of the area. He called for a united front among all security stakeholders to decisively eradicate the twin menaces of drug trafficking and banditry.
In a move focused on accountability, the Okere specifically cautioned the Service against the use of unmarked private vehicles for official duties and charged the Customs Command and sister agencies to ensure all patrol operations are conducted with branded official vehicles, a measure he described as crucial for transparency and the prevention of avoidable clashes during enforcement activities.
The reception was attended by high-ranking traditional chiefs, senior Customs officers, and representatives from various security agencies and critical stakeholders, concluding with a mutual commitment to peace and order in the Oyo/Osun corridor.