By Paul Joseph
The Controller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi has commissioned a sports arena constructed for officers and men of the Western Marine Command and he charged officers of the Service on the need for physical and mental fitness, stressing that the demanding and challenging nature of their job makes it mandatory.
The CGC made the call on Wednesday in Lagos, during the commissioning of a sports arena at the Western Marine Command of the Service.
He urged officers and men to make maximum use of the facilities, which he said would enhance their physical and mental fitness and by extension add value to their jobs through improved productivity in their official duties.
The Customs boss said: “It is my pleasure to be here to commission the sports arena, which is provided for officers and men of the Western Marine Command.
As usual, when we provide this kind of facility, we also have stakeholders and members of the community where we serve in mind. Why do this? Because of the nature of our job, we really need to keep fit all the time.
It is necessary we maintain the right balance, this is why we encourage all officers to do this. I do mine each time I have time in Abuja. Most Saturdays in the morning, you will not see me in bed early in the morning.
I am out trying to keep fit. This is why we encourage all our officers to remain physically and mentally fit. One of the ways they can do it is to make use of the facilities that we have provided in this command.
About 48 hours ago, I was in Kebbi state, doing the same thing. Commissioning the football arena provided for officers. And we had the privilege of taking the first shot inside the football arena. So, it is built for us to utilize.
I will encourage officers and men, even officers serving in other commands such as KLT, PTML, Tincan and Apapa to embrace the use of the facility here so that we will remain physically and mentally fit.”
Also speaking in a welcome address, the Customs Area Controller, Western Marine Command, Comptroller P.N. Ntadi commended the CGC for making out time to commission the project, saying that “the presence of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR psc+ PhD whose leadership, vision, and commitment to people centered policing and community engagement continue to inspire meaningful initiatives across the Service.
Sir, your gracious presence and your commissioning of this facility underscore the importance the Nigeria Customs Service places on community development, youth empowerment, and sustainable peace.
We sincerely appreciate your unwavering support for projects that go beyond enforcement to touch lives positively which shows that Customs Cares.”
The Customs Area Controller emphasized that the event was more than just the opening of a sports facility; it was about purpose, community, and upholding a legacy of service, discipline, and commitment to the nation.
Comptroller Ntadi stated that the arena is named in honor of Wale Adeniyi, the former National Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Customs Service, recognizing his exceptional diligence, professionalism, and dedication.
He highlighted Adeniyi’s grassroots approach and his embodiment of integrity, hard work, and loyalty during his service.
Naming the facility after him serves as a reminder that exemplary service should not be forgotten and that positive role models should continue to inspire future generations.
According to him, WASA represents a tangible commitment to the belief that security involves more than just enforcement; it also encompasses prevention.
Providing youth with alternatives to crime, unrest, substance abuse, and other social issues is crucial.
By creating safe and positive environments for recreation, mentorship, and healthy competition, we are investing in the peace, stability, and future of our communities.
WASA aims to engage youth constructively, as sports instill values such as discipline, teamwork, leadership, resilience, and respect for rules—principles that guide the officers of the Nigeria Customs Service.
By establishing this arena, we are creating opportunities for young people to discover their talents, channel their energy positively, and foster hope for a brighter future.
Comptroller Ntadi acknowledged that the Command cannot secure the environment alone and stressed the importance of community partnerships.
He stated that the facility belongs to the community and expressed trust that it will be safeguarded, used appropriately, and maintained.
He urged community leaders, parents, youth groups, and relevant stakeholders to take ownership of the project to ensure it fulfills its intended purpose.
He also expressed gratitude to the officers and personnel of the Western Marine Command for their dedication and teamwork, which made the project possible.
This arena symbolizes that when united by a common vision of service, we can extend our influence beyond our official duties and into the community.
Finally, he thanked the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for personally inaugurating the project and for his ongoing support of initiatives that foster human development, youth empowerment, and positive engagement with local communities.
As this sports arena is inaugurated, may it serve as a hub of unity, growth, and positive change, nurturing talents, inspiring dreams, and steering youth away from negative influences. May Wale Adeniyi’s legacy continue to remind us of the importance of diligence and dedication.
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