By Harriet Tornguvan -Abuja
In a bid to revitalize sports, engage youth in productive activities, and elevate Nigeria's standing in global athletics, the Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, has reached out to the National Sports Commission for collaboration in hosting the African Volleyball Inter-Club Women’s Championship.
CGC Adeniyi said these during a courtesy visit to the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, on Monday, 27 January 2025, emphasising that the Nigeria Customs Service’s (NCS) commitment to using sports as a tool to promote national pride, foster unity, and provide opportunities for youth development.
The Custom Boss, commended the Commission’s leadership for its professionalism and expressed confidence in the revival of Nigeria’s sporting glory, also conveyed optimism that the championship, scheduled for April 2025 in Abuja, will attract top teams from across the continent.
“For the first time in a long time, we have tested and accomplished professionals driving sports development in Nigeria. We have no doubt that the glory days of sports are back,” CGC Adeniyi remarked.
The Customs Boss disclosed that the Service had been granted hosting rights by the Nigerian Olympic Committee to organise, in collaboration with the Nigerian Volleyball Federation, the championship from 1 to 14 April 2025 and showcase Africa’s best volleyball teams.
Additionally, the CGC expressed the Service’s readiness to extend its support to the Commission and vowed to deliver a memorable tournament that would reflect Nigeria’s growing stature in sports.
The Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Malam Shehu Dikko, commended CGC Adeniyi’s vision and described the initiative as a significant milestone in promoting Nigeria’s image and fostering youth participation in sports.
“This championship is not just an opportunity to showcase our athletes but also a platform to inspire young Nigerians and demonstrate our organisational capabilities to the world. Sports are a unifying force, and we will work to ensure that this event reflects the best of what Nigeria can offer,” Dikko said.
He pledged the Commission’s full support, including access to facilities, technical expertise, and logistical assistance, to ensure the championship sets a benchmark for future sporting events in the country.
The President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, Engr Habu Gumel who was in attendance praised CGC Adeniyi for his innovative approach to integrating sports into the Customs Service’s culture and affirmed his unwavering commitment to making the tournament successful.
“We must be deliberate in our preparations and ensure that this championship becomes a springboard for hosting more international tournaments. The National Sports Commission is fully committed to providing all necessary support,” he stated.
