Sports
Customs CG Highlights Importance of Sponsoring Volleyball Tournament, Over 700 Youths Benefit
…Pledges more developmental programs
By Joel Ajayi
Sponsoring sports tournaments in Nigeria brings numerous benefits to youth development, as demonstrated by the recently concluded 2024 Nigeria Volleyball Premier League (NVPL).
The tournament, sponsored by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, in collaboration with the Volleyball Federation, provided opportunities for over 700 Nigerian youths to participate and benefit.
The 2024 NVPL, divided into two thrilling phases, concluded at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, with winners in the male and female categories taking home over ₦24 million in prize money.
At the finals in Abuja, the male category winners received ₦10 million, while the second- and third-place teams were awarded ₦6 million and ₦4 million, respectively. The female category followed the same prize structure, ensuring parity between genders.
Speaking during the presentation of prizes and trophies on Saturday, CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi emphasized the tournament’s positive impact on Nigerian youths and pledged to continue supporting similar initiatives in 2025.
“We are not only proud to sponsor this tournament but also proud of the support from the Volleyball Federation and the entire volleyball community,” he said.
“These past two weeks have been filled with excitement and entertainment. Watching young talents demonstrate such skill and dedication has been truly inspiring. The admiration and enthusiasm from the crowd confirm that this has been a resounding success.”
Highlighting the importance of the tournament, CGC Adeniyi noted:
“This event involved about 10 female and 10 male teams, which means nearly 600 athletes from across Nigeria participated. Beyond the players, there were coaches, officials, and federation members who played key roles in making this happen. This tournament has positively engaged so many people, taking them away from crime-prone activities and channeling their energy into sports and development.
“Furthermore, it creates a platform for discovering talents who can represent Nigeria on the international stage. In the past few years, our teams have struggled to qualify for major tournaments, but I believe this initiative marks a turning point.”
On revitalizing the Customs volleyball teams, he acknowledged the challenges of aging players and the need for fresh talent.
“For any team to succeed, youthful energy and determination are essential. We will return to the drawing board, inject new talent into our male and female teams, and ensure they are ready for next season. We are also planning to host more tournaments in Nigeria and will work hard to present strong, competitive teams capable of becoming champions again.”
The President of the Nigeria Volleyball Federation, Engineer Musa Nimrod, expressed gratitude to CGC Adeniyi for his unwavering support for the sport.
“We deeply appreciate the CGC for coming to our aid and sponsoring this Premier League. Public-private partnerships like this are vital for sports development, and this collaboration has been exceptional. With this level of support, I am confident we will achieve even greater milestones in 2025,” Nimrod said.
At the conclusion of the 2024 NVPL, the Nigeria Customs Service team emerged victorious in the women’s category, while the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) team claimed the championship in the men’s category.
Sports
AACT 2026: Babagirei-Ahmad Assures Visitors of Smooth Visa Processing, Warm Welcome
By Joel Ajayi
With nine days to the 2026 All Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT), Chairperson of the Visa, Airport Reception and Protocol Committee, Zulaiha Babagirei-Ahmad, has assured participating countries and other visitors of smooth visa processing and a warm reception ahead of the continental women’s golf championship.
Babagirei-Ahmad said preparations were progressing smoothly, with her committee working closely with relevant agencies and stakeholders to ensure a seamless arrival experience for golfers, team officials and other delegates expected in Nigeria.
She noted that the committee was committed to providing a welcoming atmosphere and efficient protocol services that would make the stay of visitors memorable while showcasing Nigeria’s renowned hospitality
With about 30 African countries expected to participate in the championship, the committee is coordinating visa arrangements, airport reception and other logistical requirements to facilitate the arrival and movement of international guests.
According to her, the objective goes beyond ensuring smooth entry into the country, as the committee is determined to make every visitor feel welcome from the moment they arrive in Abuja.
She added that the championship offers Nigeria an opportunity to strengthen relationships among African nations, promote unity through sport and showcase the country’s capacity to host major international sporting events.
The 2026 edition will be the third time Nigeria has hosted the All Africa Challenge Trophy, following the 1996 championship at Ikoyi Club 1938 in Lagos and the 2010 edition at the IBB International Golf & Country Club in Abuja.
The tournament is scheduled to hold from November 2 to 7 at the IBB International Golf & Country Club, Abuja, under the slogan, “Uniting Africa Through the Greens.”
With preparations entering the final stretch, Babagirei-Ahmad expressed confidence that the committee would deliver efficient visa coordination, effective airport reception and quality protocol services to ensure a pleasant experience for all visitors.
As the countdown continues, Nigeria is preparing to welcome Africa’s golfing community to Abuja for a championship expected to celebrate sporting excellence, friendship and continental unity.
9 DAYS TO GO!
AACT 2026: UNITING AFRICA THROUGH THE GREENS.
AFRICA IS COMING TO ABUJA!
-
Featured7 years agoLampard Names New Chelsea Manager
-
Featured7 years agoFG To Extends Lockdown In FCT, Lagos Ogun states For 7days
-
Featured7 years agoChildren Custody: Court Adjourns Mike Ezuruonye, Wife’s Case To April 7
-
Featured7 years agoNYSC Dismisses Report Of DG’s Plan To Islamize Benue Orientation Camp
-
Featured5 years agoTransfer Saga: How Mikel Obi Refused to compensate me After I Linked Him Worth $4m Deal In Kuwait SC – Okafor
-
Featured7 years ago
Board urges FG to establish one-stop rehabilitation centres in 6 geopolitical zones
-
Sports4 years ago
TINUBU LAMBAST DELE MOMODU
-
News2 years agoZulu to Super Eagles B team, President Tinubu is happy with you
