CGC IMPRESSED AS HE COMMISSIONS WASA AT WESTERN MARINE COMMAND

By Okey Iroegbu 

The first day Comptroller Patrick Ntadi stepped into the headquarters of Western Marine Command of Nigeria Customs Service at Ibafon, Coconut, Apapa, he saw a vision. According to the Customs Area Controller on a friendly chart, "the first day I entered the compound to assume duties, I saw a horrible site while approaching the gate and

suspected that the place must be dangerous." In an effort to do an overview of the ongoing renovation on the site, he the CAC confirmed that the Zonal Coordinator will be arround to commission it. As the renovation took a greater dimension, the attention of the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, PhD was caught as the project was upgraded to Corporate Social Responsibility of Nigeria Customs Service. On Wednesday, February 11, 2025, the Arena was ready for commissioning and the command named it Wale Adeniyi Sports Arena (WASA). In his opening address, Comptroller Ntadi said "It is with great pride and deep sense Of responsibility that I welcome you all to the commissioning

of the Wale Adeniyi Sports Arena (WASA), a Corporate Social Responsibility initiative of the Western Marine Command. "We are deeply honoured today by the presence of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR psc+ Phd whose leadership, vision, and commitment to people centered policing and

community engagement continue to inspire meaningful initiatives across the Service. Sir, your gracious presence and "your commissioning of this facility underscore the importance the Nigeria Custo Service places on community development,

youth empowerment, and sustainable peace. We sincerely appreciate your unwavering support for projects that go beyond enforcement to touch lives positively which shows that Customs Cares. "Today is not just about unveiling a sports facility. It is about purpose. It is about people. And it is about preserving a legacy of service, discipline, and commitment to the Nation. The address went ahead to eulogize the Comptroller General of Customs, citing his days as the National Public Relations Officer, his diligence and achievements for the Service and the nation. It is on this note that naming such facility after him is very deserving. "This arena is dedicated as an honour to the man whose name it bears Wale Adeniyi, former National Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Customs Service. He is a man of uncommon diligence, professionalism, and dedication to duty, his approach was very grass rooted," Comptroller Ntadi said. The pay back to the communities as the Customs cares is seriously gaining momentum as many of these communities are been touched. It was also on this not that the CAC sees it as another means of enforcing security. It is believed that the Sport Arena would grant the youth of the community the opportunity to engage themselves on some sporting leisure instead of getting involved in drugs.  "It is also about prevention. It is about giving our Youths alternatives to crime, restiveness, drug abuse, and other social vices. When we provide safe and positive spaces for recreation, mentorship, and healthy competition, we are investing in Peace, stability, and the future of our communities, "WASA is aimed at taking our youths off the streets and into constructive engagement. Sports teach discipline,

teamwork, leadership, resilience, and respect for rules the same values that guide us as Officers of the Nigeria Customs Service, By creating this arena, we are opening doors of opportunity for young people to discover their talents, channel their energy productively, and build hope for a better tomorrow "As we commission this sports arena today, may it become a center of unity, growth, and positive transformation. May it nurture talents, inspire dreams, and keep our youths away from negative influences. And may the legacy of Wale Adeniyi continue to remind us that diligence, dedication, and selfless service to the nation will always be honored," he said. Finally the CAC eulogized his officers and men for their dedication to duties as he recognized that teamwork made this project possible. At Western Marine  the CGC showcased his sporting prowess as he kick-started a novelty match, had a shot at the Basketball and the table tennis. He confirmed that the facilities will definitely improve the lives of the beneficiaries. It was  busy day for the workaholic Comptroller General of Customs. Adeniyi who had about four related assignments to carry out in Lagos. He started from Kirikiri Lighter Terminal where he commissioned four classroom block at the Medium Correctional Centre under Customs Care. After Westerm Marine Command, he went straight to the commissioning of the renovated Methodist Primary School, Ibeshe, Ikorodu, where he commended the Lilypond Export Command for selecting the school. He finally ended the day at Lekki, where he launched the Lagos Free Zone, Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos.