Abuja 2024 : Customs boss declares open maiden Customs/ Military and Paramilitary Wrestling championship
The initiator of the Comptroller General Military and Paramilitary Wrestling championship, CG Adewale Adeniyi MFR, has gloriously declared open the event.
The five day championship witnessed a colourful opening ceremony with various agencies showcasing an entertaining parade to an already electrified atmosphere and spectators.
Speaking at the event, the Comptroller-General of Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi MFR emphasized that the tournament was borne out of the Federation’s desire to take wrestling to the grassroots.
According to the Customs boss, wrestling plays a vital role in how positively Nigerian sports is perceived globally, thus this championship.
“It gives me great honour to celebrate this sporting excellence, especially that of wrestling. The seed for this tournament was sown about a year ago in Yenagoa during our board meeting, where everyone unanimously agreed to begin to build future champions that will represent Nigeria in major international events”
“In that meeting, we also decided that the military and Para-military sectors should be organised to have this tournament, and I’m happy the dream that was nurtured that day has come to fruition.” Adeniyi noted.
“Wrestlers and the military share similar attributes like discipline, character, respect for your opponent, team work, strategy and playing the game according to the rules
In his earlier remarks, the chairman Local Organizing Committee, Brigadier General Olawale Fawole, expressed gratitude to the Customs boss for his magnanimity to host the national championship for the military and paramilitary.
“I want to state that the brain work behind this championship is of the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service. I want to acknowledge his interest and dedication at every stage towards the preparation of this championship”.
“I want to thank the Nigeria Wrestling Federation board for the trust placed in the LOC and all other stakeholders who collaborated to ensure that today becomes a reality.”
On his part, the Vice President Nigeria Wrestling Federation, who stood in proxy on behalf of the President, extended the Federation’s warmth appreciation to the CG for the sponsorship of the National event.
“On behalf of the President and all the board members of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation I welcome you to this delightful occasion, but before we begin, I want to extend our heartfelt appreciation to the Comptroller General of Customs for sponsoring this event.”
“We want to thank the Chief of Defence Staff, service Chiefs, and head of various agencies represented here today for availing your athletes to participate in this tournament.”
“We also extend our heartfelt appreciation to the Minister of Sports for all the support he has given to the Wrestling Federation.”
Meanwhile, the ceremony was concluded with some mouthwatering encounters where Okasha Sani (Nigeria Police Force) was beaten by Pakistan Alfred (NSCDC) in the 63kg 10-0 superiority
In a keenly contested 82kg match, Samuel Kure (Customs) defeated Chinoso Robinson (Nigeria Police Force) 7-6 to put smiles on the Customs boss.
In the last bout, Musa A (Nigeria Air-force) lost to Tobechukwu Udeh (Nigeria Army) 8-0 In the 82kg clash.
