The Acting Customs Area Controller of the Ogun I Area Command, Deputy Comptroller Olukayode Afeni, has introduced a compulsory weekly fitness exercise for all officers and men of the Command, as part of efforts to prioritise staff welfare and enhance operational efficiency.
The initiative, which aligns with the vision of the Comptroller-General of Customs, is aimed at building a healthier, physically resilient and mentally alert workforce capable of meeting the demanding responsibilities of the Service.
Speaking at the launch of the programme on Thursday, January 15, 2026, Deputy Comptroller Afeni noted that the strenuous nature of Customs duties often characterised by long hours and intensive field operations makes a deliberate commitment to health and fitness essential.
“Only when we are healthy can we perform effectively,” Afeni said, stressing that physical and mental wellbeing are critical to productivity and service delivery.
In a press statement signed by the Public Relations Officer of the Ogun I Area Command, DSC Chado Zakari, the Command explained that the exercise programme is not a one-off event but a sustained initiative to be observed every Thursday.
According to the statement, the routine is designed to ensure that officers remain physically fit and mentally sharp, while also promoting teamwork, informal interaction, discipline and service readiness among personnel.
“We are making fitness a culture in this Command,” Afeni was quoted as saying. “A fit team is a formidable team.”
The Deputy Comptroller reaffirmed that officer welfare remains a top priority under his leadership and urged all personnel to embrace physical fitness as an integral part of their professional lives.
The maiden exercise session featured activities such as jogging, aerobics, football and volleyball. Beyond improving physical health, the programme is expected to help reduce stress, strengthen camaraderie and boost overall morale within the Ogun I Area Command.
