Customs Adopts Sports In Fight Against Smuggling

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ogun I Area Command, Idiroko has reaffirmed its commitment to youth development and community engagement through sports following the successful conclusion of the inaugural Afeni Inter-Secondary School Football Tournament in which Favour Comprehensive College emerged champions after defeating 11 other secondary schools in the competition held from 13 to 24 July 2026 in Idiroko, Ogun State.

The tournament, organised under the Command’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, under the leadership of Acting Customs Area Controller, Ogun I Command, Deputy Comptroller Oladapo Afeni, in partnership with Jonnyyeko College of Health Science and Technology. The competition brought together 12 secondary schools from border communities to promote education, discover football talents and discourage youths from engaging in smuggling and other illicit border activities.

Declaring the tournament open on 13 July 2026 at Iko Gate Grammar School, Idiroko, Afeni said the initiative was designed to provide students with productive opportunities while promoting discipline, education and lawful means of livelihood. He noted that the competition would also help identify and nurture young football talents and encourage participants to pursue sports as a viable career path.

“Smuggling robs our youth of their future. By sponsoring this competition, we aren’t just playing football; we are providing a platform for advocacy, teaching life skills and showing these students that their potential extends far beyond the border tracks,” Afeni said.

Speaking at the closing ceremony on 24 July 2026, Afeni said the successful completion of the tournament reflects the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to empowering young people through constructive engagement while fostering peaceful coexistence and community development. He added that football provides an avenue to mentor students, instil discipline and expose them to opportunities beyond illicit border activities, describing sports as an effective tool for social transformation.

Favour Comprehensive College emerged overall champions, while Okanlawon Al-Amin of S.S. International School finished as the tournament’s highest goal scorer with four goals. Olawale Saoban of Favour Comprehensive College received the Best Goalkeeper award, while Rigobert of Holy Childhood Academy was named the Most Valuable Player of the tournament.

Educational authorities, youth associations and community leaders commended the initiative, describing it as a timely intervention that promotes education, keeps young people focused on positive pursuits and steers them away from smuggling. Cash prizes, educational materials and sports equipment were presented to the winning schools and outstanding players during the closing ceremony.