SPORTS: Customs Reaffirms Commitment to Activities, Triumphs in Volleyball Match Against Adamawa
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on Saturday, 7 September 2024, reaffirmed its commitment to supporting sports federations and promoting its athletes, who display bravery in representing the Service in national and international competitions.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, made this statement shortly after the Customs volleyball team delivered a resounding victory over the Adamawa State team in the first phase of the 2024 National Volleyball Premier League, held at the Indoor Sports Hall, Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.
In a match where the NCS dominated from start to finish, the Customs team triumphed with a scoreline of 22-11, winning all three sets. CGC Adeniyi expressed his excitement over the victory, stating: “I was optimistic that we would win, and we did, taking all three sets. However, this championship is divided into three phases, and in this phase, we have won one match so far, with nearly seven matches ahead.”
CGC Adeniyi attributed the team’s success to disciplined teamwork and resilience, adding: “We need discipline, teamwork, strength, stability, and intelligence — qualities we need not just on the court but also in our everyday duties as Customs officers.”
He continued, “We succeed in reviving these virtues while playing various games, and today’s success is what we hoped for — that our players would give their best in matches like this.”
When asked whether the NCS’s participation in various games aligns with the Federal Government’s policy of engaging talented youth in sports, CGC Adeniyi remarked, “It is deliberate because there are a lot of youths we can reach out to, and Customs has a very rich history of excellent performance in sports.”
According to the CGC, the Service has produced both national and international champions in boxing, athletics, and other sports. He added: “Just like today, our volleyball team performed exceptionally well. They have participated in the African Cup of Nations tournaments several times and have also played in the national football league, gaining a rich history in the process.”
Emphasizing the Service’s commitment to supporting its athletes, CGC Adeniyi said: “This is why we find it necessary not only to encourage our athletes within Customs but also to extend our support and sponsorship to federations that seek our assistance, as long as it is within our capacity.”
The Customs boss, recalling his own experience playing volleyball in his youth, described the match between the NCS and the Adamawa team as an opportunity for Customs to select the best athletes to represent the Service in both national and international competitions.
He also saluted the courage of the Adamawa volleyball players, who, according to him, displayed commitment and professionalism in their debut, stating: “All respect to the Adamawa team. They played very well, but for our own team, we look forward to the upcoming matches.”