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‎By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
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‎The newly-inaugurated Wale Adeniyi Sports Arena situated at the Western Marine Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) came alive Monday as the Service hosted students and pupils from secondary schools in Apapa in different sporting events to mark the 2026 edition of the Wale Adeniyi Secondary Schools Sports Competition.
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‎The week-long event which reaffirms the  commitment of the Service to youth development, grassroots sports promotion and community engagement is part of the corporate social responsibility of the Service.
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‎Declaring the event open on behalf of the Comptroller-General of Customs Dr Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, the Zonal Coordinator, Zone ‘A’, ACG Mohammed Babandede announced sponsorship and career development opportunities for outstanding young athletes who excel in different sporting events.
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‎The ACG said the competition reflects the visionary leadership of the Comptroller-General whose Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) agenda has repositioned the Nigeria Customs Service as a driver of community development through its Customs Cares initiative.

‎He explained that the championship goes beyond sports as it serves as a platform to identify and nurture young talents while promoting discipline, teamwork, healthy living and leadership among secondary school students.

‎The Wale Adeniyi Sports Arena, he added, was deliberately established to serve as a community facility for young people to train and develop their physical, mental and social potentials. The facility is also available to strengthen the bond between the Nigeria Customs Service and its host communities.
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‎About 13 secondary schools competed in events such as football, basketball, volleyball, chess, scrabble and table tennis in a championship the NCS organised in collaboration with the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), Ajeromi-Ifelodun Chapter led by Mrs Morenike Akerele.
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‎According to the ACG, the week-long competition aligns with the Service’s commitment to encourage work-life balance, physical fitness and mental well-being which are essential ingredients for improved productivity and professional excellence.
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‎He urged the Service personnel to always immitate the competitors who are being encouraged to uphold the values of discipline, unity, friendship and sportsmanship throughout the competition. For the athletes, he counselled them to value and maintain the relationships built during the tournament.
‎He commended the partnership between the NCS, NAPPS, the Lagos State Ministry of Education and other stakeholders, describing it as a model for nation-building through sports and education.
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‎In his remarks, the Customs Area Controller, Western Marine Command, Comptroller Patrick Ntadi, reaffirmed the  commitment of the Service to discover and support exceptional sporting talents across the country.
‎Ntadi said the Comptroller-General was delighted by the impressive turnout and described the competition as another demonstration of the Service’s resolve to invest in Nigeria’s future through youth empowerment.
‎He disclosed that the Nigeria Customs Service would closely monitor the performances of participating athletes, assuring them that those who distinguished themselves through outstanding talent, discipline and commitment would receive sponsorship and career development opportunities from the Service.

‎This initiative, Ntadi explained, is designed to promote excellence, discover emerging talents and provide promising young athletes the platform needed to realise their full potentials.
‎He urged all participants to give their best throughout the competition, stressing that the Service is searching for athletes capable of making Nigeria proud on national and international stages.
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‎“We want to promote sports among our youths, take our children off the streets, and give them the opportunity to develop their talents so that, in the future, Nigeria will be proud of them.”
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DC A. Attracta entering a Customs boat named after her

‎Special attraction at the event was a display by DC A. Attracta who, in November 2023, travelled across 12 West African countries on a motorbike, covering over 8,000km in 23 days.
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‎By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
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‎The National President of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders, NAGAFF, High Chief Tochukwu Ezisi, has been honoured with the Golden Era Pillar of Logistics Excellence, Purposeful Entrepreneur, Philanthropy and National Development Award by the Radio, Television, Theatre and Art Workers’ Union, RATTAWU.
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‎The award was presented on Monday at the Intercontinental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, during the RATTAWU Safe Democracy Summit and Golden Honours, themed, “Electoral Integrity in an AI Era – Role of Responsible Media and Culture in Safeguarding Democracy.”
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‎The event attracted prominent personalities, including representatives of the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, and the Minister of Labour and Employment.
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‎Other dignitaries in attendance included the National President of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, NIPR, Dr. Ike Neliaku, who chaired the occasion; the President of the Association of Communication Scholars and Professionals of Nigeria, Prof. Rotimi Williams Olatunji, who delivered the keynote address; representatives of the Lagos State Commissioner of Police; NAGAFF founder, Dr. Boniface Aniebonam; traditional rulers, freight forwarders and business leaders.
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‎Speaking at the ceremony, RATTAWU National President, Prince Emeka Kalu, described Ezisi as a philanthropist and community leader whose contributions to logistics, entrepreneurship and national development had positively impacted many lives.
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‎He said the union considered Ezisi deserving of recognition for his commitment to humanitarian causes and development initiatives, noting that society should celebrate individuals who have distinguished themselves through hard work and selfless service.
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‎Kalu also reaffirmed RATTAWU’s commitment to defending the rights of the oppressed, giving voice to the voiceless and supporting vulnerable members of society.
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‎Representing the Minister of Information and National Orientation, the Director of Public Relations and Protocol in the ministry, Dr. Suleiman Haruna, said inquiries about Ezisi’s background revealed him to be a man whose contributions to humanity had earned him widespread respect.
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‎Haruna likened the NAGAFF president to “a mighty river that irrigates lands and people,” saying his generosity had positively transformed many lives.
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‎Several speakers, including Chairman of the NAGAFF Board of Trustees, Mr. Chidiebere Enelamah, and the association’s National Vice President, Princess Chi Ezeh, also paid glowing tributes to Ezisi, describing him as a compassionate leader whose recognition was well deserved.
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‎Enelamah commended Ezisi’s wife for her support, describing her as a pillar behind her husband’s success.
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‎Representatives of the Imperial Philanthropic Family equally praised the NAGAFF President for his longstanding support for charitable causes across the country, saying the honour reflected his commitment to humanitarian service.
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‎They urged him to remain steadfast in his philanthropic activities, noting that his impact had changed many lives and inspired others to serve humanity.
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‎Responding, an emotional Ezisi expressed gratitude to God, his family, friends and supporters for standing by him throughout his journey.
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‎He also acknowledged the founder of NAGAFF, Dr. Boniface Aniebonam, for providing him with the platform to serve, while thanking RATTAWU for the recognition.
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‎Ezisi pledged his continued support for the union and assured members that he would always be available whenever called upon.
‎He described the honour as one of the most memorable moments of his life and thanked guests for their presence and goodwill.
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‎By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
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‎The story of STARZS Group’s phenomenal growth and impact in the past four decades, in many respects, mirrors Nigeria’s growth and advancement in all spheres. The story reflects boldness in vision, resilience in capacity, innovation in execution and steadfastness in the pursuit of excellence.
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‎Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola made the submission in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, during an impressive ceremony by the company to celebrate her 40th anniversary. He was represented by the Director -General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr Dayo Mobereola.
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‎”As we celebrate this achievement, we are reminded that no action and no nation can attain sustainable maritime prosperity without a vibrant and competitive indigenous values sector. Government creates the enabling environment, but it is the enterprise, innovation, and doggedness of companies such as STARZS that transform policy into economic opportunity, create jobs, build local capacity, and deepen national prosperity.”
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‎”This conviction underpins the vision of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,  GCFR, in establishing the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy as a strategic platform for unlocking the immense potentials of Nigerian maritime domain. Our mandate is clear to position the marine and maritime blue economy as a major driver of economic diversification, industrial growth, food security, trade competitiveness, and national development. We will remain committed to expanding opportunities for indigenous compensation across the maritime planetary, whether in shipping, marine logistics, shipping management, offshore support services, shipbuilding, or marine engineering.”
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‎The Minister emphasized the Ministry’s objective which is to ensure that Nigerian companies are not just participants but leaders in the growth of the maritime economy.
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‎” We will continue to work with relevant institutions to strengthen local capacity, encourage responsible investment and create an environment in which indigenous businesses thrive. Human capital development remains central to this vision.”
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‎”The future of the maritime industry will ultimately depend on the quality, competence, and innovation of our people. We are therefore placing renewed emphasis on maritime education, seafarer development, technical skill acquisition, and greater collaboration with governments, academia, and industry to prepare the generation of new maritime professionals for Nigeria. Equally important is our commitment to maritime safety and security.”
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‎The progress Nigeria has made in securing its maritime domain through the Deep Blue project, Oyetola explained, has enhanced investor confidence and reinforced her standing within the Gulf of Guinea.
‎Nigeria shall continue to consolidate on these gains through stronger inter-agency collaboration, improved surveillance capabilities and sustained investment in maritime security infrastructure,  recognizing the fundamental importance of safe waters.
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