CGC Commissions Wale Adeniyi Sport Arena For Youth Engagement, Staff Fitness In Western Marine Command
By Asuquo Nuwak
CGC Commissions Wale Adeniyi Sport Arena For Youth Engagement, Staff Fitness In Western Marine Command
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi commissioned the Wale Adeniyi Sport Arena (WASA), a Corporate Social Responsibility initiative of the Western Marine Command at Ibafon, Apapa, Lagos.
The unveiling ceremony was attended by management team, senior officers and men of the Service, sister security agencies, community leaders, youth representatives, and the media.
Commenting at the commissioning of the Wale Adeniyi Sport Arena (WASA), built under Coconut Bridge by Western Marine Command, the CGC cast his mind back to just about 48 hours ago when he commissioned the Kebbi State Customs Command Sport Arena to promote health, unity, and positive engagement.
The commissioning ceremony featured football match and table tennis match between the CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi and Navy Admiral.
During the cutting of arena’s tape, the CGC urged the Western Marine Command to protect and utilize the facility effectively in order to meet up with the purpose it was built, he also encouraged officers in other commands, such as Apapa, Tin Can Island, PTML, and KLT to make use of the arena.
Besides, the CGC said building sport arena close to commands is to encourage officers and men of the Service to take advantage of the facility to regularly keep fit after the official duties.
Similarly, he said the arena is a brainchild of the Service’s flagship project: Customs Care, designed to encourage regular fit keeping by officers and men of the Service, including the host communities in every commands.
Commenting further, Adeniyi who said the arena would serve the officers and host communities, also said as the customs work is demanding, it is necessary that right balance is maintained. In short, he said officers must remain physically and mentally fit, pointed out that one of the ways to achieve result is through using facilities like the Wale Adeniyi Sport Arena.
He expressed great pleasure over improving relationship between customs and the host communities, hence the major reasons why the Service can carry out projects like the Wale Adeniyi Sport Arena for the benefit of everyone.
In his welcome address, the Customs Area Controller of the command, Comptroller Ntadi, said the commissioning of the sport arena is in honour of the CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, psc+ PhD, whose leadership, vision, and commitment to people centered on policing and community engagement continue to inspire meaningful initiatives across the Service.
Still, he said the commissioning of the facility underscore the importance the Service places on community development, youth empowerment, and sustainable peace.
He appreciated the unwavering support for projects that go beyond enforcement to touch lives positively, showing that Customs Cares.
He noted that the event is not about unveiling sport facility, but about purpose, people, and preserving a legacy of service, discipline, and commitment to the nation.
He said the arena is dedicated as an honour to a man who was the former National Public Relation Officer of the Nigeria Customs Service, with uncommon diligence, professionalism, and dedication to duty.
Comptroller Ntadi is quoted as saying that: “As National Public Relation Officer then, he exemplified integrity, hard work, loyalty. Naming the facility after him is our way of saying that, the exemplary service should never be forgotten, and positive role models must continue to inspire the next generation”.
Aside from this, he said Wale Adeniyi Sport Arena (WASA) is a practical expression of the belief that security is not only about enforcement, patrols, and interceptions, but is also about prevention, giving youths alternatives to crime, restiveness, drug abuse, and other social vices.
Additionally, he said when they provide safe and positive spaces for recreation, mentorship, and healthy competition, they are equally investing in peace, stability, and the future of the communities.
Commenting further on the occasion, Comptroller Ntadi, pointed out that Wale Adeniyi Sport Arena WASA is aimed at taking youths off the streets and into constructive engagement.
In short, he said sports teaches discipline, teamwork, leadership, resilience, and respect for rules, which is the same value that guide them as officers of the Service.
He further announced that by creating the arena, they are opening doors of opportunity for young people to discover their talents, channel their energy productively, and build hope for a better tomorrow.
Comptroller Ntadi is quoted as stating that: As a command, we recognize that we cannot secure our environment alone, community partnership is essential. This facility belongs to the community, and we trust that it will be protected, properly utilized, and maintained. We call on community leaders, youth groups, parents, and relevant stakeholders to take ownership of this project and ensure that it serves the purpose for which it was established”.
Comptroller Ntadi, who appreciated the officers and men of the command whose dedication and teamwork made the project possible, also disclosed that the arena stands as proof that when they are united by a shared vision of service, they can extend their impact beyond their statutory duties and into the heart of the community.
Indeed, he thanked the CGC, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for personally commissioning the project, and his continuous encouragement of initiatives that promote human development, youth empowerment, and positive engagement with host communities.
In his words: “As we commission the sports arena, may it become a centre of unity, growth, and positive transformation. May it nurture talents, inspire dreams, and keep our youths away from negative influences. May the legacy of Wale Adeniyi continue to remind us that diligence, dedication, selfless service to the nation will always be honoured”.
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