In a noteworthy display of sportsmanship, the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, has expressed his commitment to support and foster the engagement of Officers and Men of the Customs Service in sports activities. This announcement comes in the wake of the Polo Tournament where Customs Players emerged victorious against the Nigeria Army, held at the Nigeria Army Polo Resort in Abuja on Sunday, January 15, 2024.
During the tournament and the unveiling of the Nigeria Customs Service’s Polo Shirt, CGC Bashir Adeniyi conveyed his intention to consider officers interested in Polo as the nucleus of a potential Customs Polo Club. He affirmed, “We will give similar encouragement to other Officers to engage in the game.”
Impressed with the performance of NCS Players, the CGC stated, “I am quite impressed with what I have seen, and this will mark the beginning of the resurgence of Polo Games development in Customs.”
Beyond the sports arena, CGC Bashir Adeniyi emphasized the importance of maintaining fitness among Officers, linking it to enhanced performance in revenue generation, trade facilitation, and combating smuggling. He underscored the need for physical and mental fitness to strike a delicate balance between the demands of the job and overall well-being.
The Chairman of the Nigerian Army Polo Association (NAPA), Major-General Adamu Garba Laka, highlighted the purpose of organizing the tournament – to celebrate Army Remembrance Day and honor CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR. Major General Laka urged other security agencies to emulate the Customs Service by incorporating Polo activities, commending the CGC’s dedication to promoting such engagements.
Major-General Laka expressed joy at the prospect of the Nigeria Customs Service establishing its Polo club, recognizing the historical significance of Polo in Nigeria since the colonial era.
The maiden match, featuring several chukkas, showcased the skill of the Nigeria Customs Players who secured victory. The tournament’s conclusion featured a ceremony where the players were honored with major trophies. Awards were presented by Major-General Adamu Garba Laka, Director-General and CEO of Voice of Nigeria, Jibril Baba Ndace, and Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs in-charge Headquarters Olaniyi Alajogun.
Representatives of NCS at the tournament, Chief Superintendent of Customs Jamilu Haruna Funtua and Superintendent of Customs Aminu Labaran Kago, expressed gratitude to the CGC for his continuous support, pledging to enhance their performance in future matches and bring more accolades to the Customs Service.
