THE Customs Area Controller, Western Marine Command, Comptroller Patrick Ntadi, on Friday declared the five-day Wale Adeniyi Secondary Schools competition closed amid cheers at Wale Adeniyi Sports Arena (WASA), Lagos.
The competition was organised in collaboration with the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS)
Speaking at the grand finale, Ntadi described the tournament as five remarkable days of sporting excellence, discipline and youthful energy.
He said that every student who competed was a champion, noting that the arena was built from the personal passion of Bashir Adeniyi, the Comptroller-General of Customs.
According to him, the initiative is a deliberate investment in the total development of children, covering academics, sportsmanship, character and community values, creating a platform for talent discovery beyond classrooms.
“This arena represents the CGC’s belief that Customs should invest, not only in securing borders and revenue, but in shaping the minds and character of our children,” he said.
Ntadi commended the Adeniyi, and appreciated teachers, parents and organisers for guiding the athletes, saying their dedication made the event the biggest student sporting fiesta in the arena’s history.
The Customs boss, accompanied by his wife, Mrs Florence Ntadi, prayed the competition would expand yearly with more schools, disciplines and opportunities for children.
Meanwhile, Topfield Secondary School finished first with 107 points, followed by Gaskiya College with 43 points.
Pathfinders Path Joe School 35, Dorcas Memorial College 28, El-Leanora College 26, Rock Foundation College 18, GIF College 15, Hope Springs 13, Cardoso College 10 and Caro Favoured College nine points.
“Every single participant, at least, won a medal across the tournament categories,” Ntadi said.
He congratulated all 380 participants, lauded spectators and officially declared the 2026 competition closed.
Acting Controller, Kirikiri Lighter Terminal Customs, Deputy Comptroller Bolaji Adigun, commended Western Marine command for engaging students and taking them off the streets.
Represented by Deputy Comptroller in charge of Administration, Thomas Jonah, Adigun appealed to students to sustain the tempo to enable them become future sporting stars.
He told the students to always trust the process, stressing that discipline, hard work and other virtues remain paramount for future success.
He urged participants to keep working hard, saying the virtues learnt would make them successful.
The overall coach and member of the technical committee, Mr Onasanya Agbolabo, said 10 events were registered, with eight private and two public schools participating, while all 380 students were declared winners.
He celebrated outstanding athletes including Sandra Abutu in table tennis, Anita Akinbami and Zodij Blessing, with Sandra Abutu also excelling in the football final.
Agbolabo said that the games were played to tournament standards, with Scrabble, Chess, Basketball, Table Tennis and five-a-side football for 20 minutes, giving male and female students competitive exposure.
The Baale of Ebute-Ibafon, Chief Kayode Hassan, described the competition as marvellous and one of its kind hosted in their community.
He thanked God, the Comptroller-General and Nigeria Customs Service for bringing the games to Ibafon, saying the event engaged youths and proved that local communities could host such programmes.
The Baale, who represented the Oba of Iwa Kingdom, Maroof Oluwa, said there were no losers, only winners, and that participation would prepare students for future competitions and build their confidence.
He urged male and female students to remain calm and focused, stressing that sports is part of education.(NAN).
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Tags: Customs WASA competition
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