Joyce Mmereole Okoli
The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has commissioned the newly built Wale Adeniyi Sports Arena (WASA), describing it as a critical investment in the physical fitness of personnel and a strategic tool for youth empowerment and sustained community peace.
The arena constructed by the Western Marine Command as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives—is named in honour of Wale Adeniyi, a former National Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), who is celebrated for his professionalism, integrity and grassroots engagement.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, CGC Adeniyi said the facility aligns with his administration’s broader commitment to strengthening the welfare, health and operational readiness of Customs officers while also supporting community development.
“Our jobs are demanding, and it is necessary that we maintain the right balance. This is why we encourage all officers to keep fit. I do mine each time I have the time in Abuja. Most Saturday mornings, you will not find me in bed. I’m out trying to keep pace,” he said.
Adeniyi emphasised that the new arena is not just for the Western Marine Command but will be open to personnel from neighbouring commands, including PTML, Tin Can, and Apapa.
“It is built for us to use, for it to be utilised. We must take advantage of this facility so we can all remain physically and mentally fit,”the CGC added.
He noted that the commissioning came barely 48 hours after he inaugurated a full-size football arena in Kebbi State, where he took the ceremonial kick to open the pitch—an indication, he said, of the Service’s renewed commitment to personnel wellbeing.
CGC Adeniyi also applauded the renewed cooperation from the host community, noting that the improved relationship has made it easier for the Service to execute key projects in the area.
“We’ve had issues with them before, but I’m happy that there is now some rapport and understanding between us.This is why we can implement the projects we are undertaking here,” he said.
The CGC urged community leaders, youth groups and stakeholders to take ownership of the facility, ensuring it remains well-maintained and impactful for both residents and Customs officers.
While delivering goodwill remarks, the Controller of the Western Marine Command, Comptroller PN Ntadi, described the sports arena as a deliberate investment in peace, security, and community empowerment.
He commended the CGC for championing people-centred policing and community-friendly initiatives that strengthen trust between security agencies and the communities they serve.
“Your commissioning of this facility underscores the importance the Nigeria Customs Service places on community development, youth empowerment, and sustainable peace. Customs cares,” Comptroller Ntadi told the CGC.
Ntadi added that the arena will serve as a safe space for young people to channel their energy into recreation, mentorship and discipline, an essential strategy in crime prevention.
The Controller of the Western Marine Command highlighted that naming the arena after Wale Adeniyi was a deliberate effort to immortalise an officer who embodied loyalty, professionalism and exceptional service.
“He exemplified integrity, hard work and loyalty. Naming this facility after him is our way of saying that exemplary service should never be forgotten,” Ntadi said.
The commissioning event ended with prayers, goodwill messages, and a call for the arena to become a hub of unity, talent development and positive transformation within the community.
As he unveiled the facility, CGC Adeniyi dedicated it to the health, fitness and wellbeing of all personnel, stressing that a strong, alert and united workforce is essential for Customs to fulfil its national mandate.