The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has commissioned a modern block of classrooms at the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Kirikiri, Lagos.

The project, delivered by the Kirikiri Lighter Terminal (KLT) Area Command, forms part of the Service’s corporate social responsibility efforts under the Customs Cares framework.

The facility was unveiled on Wednesday, 11 February 2026.

What the Project Includes

The newly commissioned structure goes beyond classrooms.

It includes fully furnished learning spaces, a borehole for water supply, water closets, a well-equipped library and a functional Information and Communication Technology (ICT) centre.

Officials say the aim is to strengthen access to education and vocational skills for inmates as part of rehabilitation efforts.

Why It Matters

Education is widely regarded as a key factor in reducing repeat offences and improving reintegration after incarceration.

Many Nigerian correctional facilities face infrastructure challenges, including limited access to structured learning and digital literacy programmes.

Customs officials say the intervention is designed to bridge part of that gap within the Kirikiri custodial centre.

The project was initiated under the leadership of the then Customs Area Controller, now Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs, Eghosa Joy Edelduok.

She described the facility as more than infrastructure.

According to her, it represents “a beacon of hope and renewal for inmates”.

She also expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs for his leadership, and to officers, partners and stakeholders who supported the project.

Leadership Transition and Continuity

Following ACG Edelduok’s promotion and redeployment, Deputy Comptroller Bolaji Lukman Adigun assumed leadership of the Command as Acting Customs Area Controller.

He sustained the project and oversaw its completion.

In his remarks, he said the facility provides hope, practical skills and learning opportunities for inmates.

He described the outcome as evidence of “continuity, dedication, and teamwork in public service”.

Customs CG Speaks

The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, PhD, formally commissioned the facility.

He reaffirmed that the Service would continue implementing social interventions aligned with sustainable development priorities.

According to him, these include education, health, water provision and literacy initiatives.

He commended ACG Edelduok for what he described as her foresight and commitment.

He added that the project demonstrates the Service’s resolve to go beyond trade facilitation and border security.

Officials say the CG also toured the facility after the commissioning ceremony.

Correctional Service Reaction

The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Correctional Service, Sylvester Nwakuche, was represented at the event by Deputy Comptroller-General Amos Kupan.

Mr Kupan praised the initiative, describing it as a clear demonstration of corporate social responsibility and support for the Correctional Service’s rehabilitation mandate.

He said the facility would enhance the learning environment within the custodial centre and strengthen both educational and vocational training programmes.

He also highlighted the partnership between the two institutions as an example of collaboration in nation-building and human capital development.

What’s Next?

Customs officials say the Customs Cares framework will continue to drive community-focused projects across commands nationwide.

For inmates at Kirikiri, the immediate focus will be integrating the classrooms, library and ICT centre into ongoing literacy and vocational programmes.

The Oyo State Police Command has arrested a 24-year-old man, Ogunwande Sodiq, over an alleged rape and threat to life in Iganna.

Police said the case was reported by the father of the 18-year-old survivor, who alleged that the suspect broke into his daughter’s room, threatened her with a knife and raped her.

In a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, the Command confirmed that the suspect had been taken into custody.

The police spokesperson said, “The survivor was promptly rescued and taken to a medical facility, where she received appropriate medical care as well as socio-psychological evaluation and support.”

He added that detectives visited the scene, recovered a knife and a bedsheet as exhibits, and documented evidence.

According to the statement, “He has confessed to the crime and is cooperating with the police, facilitating the ongoing investigation.”

The suspect is expected to be charged to court after investigations are completed.

Why This Matters

Sexual violence remains a major concern in Nigeria, with advocacy groups repeatedly calling for stronger enforcement of laws and better survivor support systems.

Under Nigeria’s Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP), rape and threats to life are serious offences punishable by law.

The Oyo Police Commissioner described the alleged act as “heinous, barbaric, and unacceptable,” assuring that the suspect would face the full weight of the law.

The case has been transferred to the Command’s Gender Desk in Ibadan for what police described as a “discreet and thorough investigation.”

What Happens Next

Police say investigations are ongoing and the suspect will be formally charged once completed.

The Command has urged residents to report sexual violence and other crimes promptly.

For emergencies, the Oyo State Call Response Center can be reached toll-free via 615, while the Police Control Room numbers are 08081768614 and 07055495413.

Impact on the Community

Incidents of sexual violence often leave long-term emotional and psychological effects on survivors and families.

Authorities say prompt reporting and coordinated response between families, police and healthcare providers can improve outcomes.

The case is likely to renew conversations in Oyo communities about safety, prevention and justice for survivors.

Fresh graduates from Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), and other tertiary institutions have won cash grants of up to N800,000 in the latest edition of Unity Bank’s Corpreneurship Challenge.

The winners emerged during business pitch sessions held at Batch C, Stream 2 of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) orientation camps across 10 states.

The competition forms part of Unity Bank’s flagship Entrepreneurship Development Initiative, designed to help corps members turn business ideas into viable ventures.

Who won what?

At the Lagos NYSC Orientation Camp, Awolumate Fawaz Babatunde, a Civil Engineering graduate of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, clinched the N800,000 grand prize after pitching a fashion design business.

Ugwoke Daniel Ifechukwu, a graduate of UNN, finished as first runner-up, receiving N500,000.

In Rivers State, Abdur-Razaq Sayfullah Adebola, an OAU graduate, topped the competition at the Nonwa Gbam Tai camp with a footwear-making business proposal.

Olatunde Esther Funmilayo of Olabisi Onabanjo University won in Kwara State after presenting a deodorant production and services business plan.

Additional winners emerged from Abuja, Niger, Adamawa, Jigawa, Plateau, Kaduna, and Delta States.

Why It Matters

Nigeria faces rising youth unemployment and shrinking white-collar job opportunities.

For many graduates, the NYSC year is increasingly becoming a transition period into entrepreneurship rather than salaried employment.

Unity Bank says the programme is designed to close the funding gap young entrepreneurs often face at the start of their careers.

Speaking on the initiative, Mrs Adenike Abimbola, Divisional Head, Retail, SME & E-Business at Unity Bank Plc, said:

“The Corpreneurship Challenge has been driven by our commitment to boosting entrepreneurship among young people, especially fresh graduates. At Unity Bank, we recognise that many young Nigerians possess viable business ideas but lack the initial capital and support to bring them to life. The Corpreneurship Challenge was designed to bridge that gap by providing financial backing, mentorship, and confidence to fresh graduates at a critical stage of their lives.”

She added:

“What we see every edition is innovation, resilience, and a strong desire among young graduates to create value and jobs. By supporting them early, we are not only helping individuals, but also contributing to the growth of the SME ecosystem and the broader economy.”

The Corpreneurship Challenge is delivered in partnership with the NYSC Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) initiative.

Since its inception, the programme has supported 638 young entrepreneurs nationwide, with cumulative grants reportedly reaching up to N300 million.

Government & Policy Context

The initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s push to promote self-employment among graduates.

With public sector hiring slowing and private sector absorption limited, entrepreneurship is increasingly viewed as a pathway to economic stability and job creation.

What’s Next?

Unity Bank says it plans to expand the reach of the Corpreneurship Challenge across more NYSC camps.

The bank says the initiative forms part of its broader strategy to drive financial inclusion, job creation, and sustainable economic growth.

For many corps members, the next step will be translating pitch ideas into real businesses in competitive markets.