Customs, Wrestling Federation Join Forces to Promote Youth Empowerment Through Sports
Kathy Kyari
The Tincan Island Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reaffirmed its commitment to youth development and grassroots sports promotion by partnering with the Nigerian Professional Wrestling Federation (NPWF) ahead of the forthcoming African International Wrestling Championship.
The collaboration was sealed during a courtesy visit by the NPWF delegation, led by its National President, Chief John Uche, to the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Frank Onyeka, at the Command Headquarters in Lagos on Tuesday, October 7, 2025.
According to a statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, CSC Oscar Ivara, the visit was to formally notify the Command about the championship, which is scheduled to hold from October 18 - 19, 2025, at Dr. Alex Ekwueme Square, Awka, Anambra State.
Chief Uche revealed that the international tournament would feature wrestling legends and rising stars from Nigeria, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and several African nations. He noted that the event aims to “showcase Nigeria’s untapped wrestling potential” while empowering over 100 Nigerian youths through grassroots development programmes.
He added that the Federation’s wider goals include curbing youth restiveness, reducing poverty, and creating sustainable job opportunities through sports.
In his response, Comptroller Onyeka commended the Federation for its dedication to developing local sporting talent and for recognizing the Nigeria Customs Service as a “strategic partner.”
He assured that the Service, under the leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, “remains unwavering in its commitment to youth development and grassroots sports promotion.”
Onyeka further noted that the Nigeria Customs Service has consistently supported various sporting initiatives across the country and will continue to collaborate with organizations that share its vision for national growth through sports.
The highlight of the visit was the unveiling and formal presentation of the championship trophy and an award of excellence to Comptroller Onyeka by the NPWF leadership, symbolizing the partnership and mutual commitment to the success of the upcoming tournament.
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