The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ogun 1 Area Command, Idiroko,has launched a new inter-secondary school football competition to combat youth away from the dangers of border smuggling.
The Command’s spokesman, Mr Chado Zakari, disclosed this in a statement issued to newsmen on Tuesday in Idiroko.
Zakari said that the initiative, in conjunction with Jonnyyeko College of Health Science and Technology, was organised as a core Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) drive, to steer youths away from smuggling activities and empower them.
He added that it also seeks to engage young minds productively, foster community spirit, and highlight sustainable career paths outside of illicit border trade.
” Idiroko being a strategic border location, has historically exposed vulnerable youth to the temptations of smuggling, as this tournament would provides a constructive alternative, channelling students’ energy into teamwork, discipline, and healthy competition.”he said.
Zakari quoted the Command’s Acting Controller, Deputy Comptroller Oladapo Afeni, saying that smuggling robbed youths of their future while declaring the competition open on Monday.
“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.”he said.
Afeni highlighted that the tournament aimed to nurture young talent early, inspiring them to pursue football as a lucrative career while leveraging sports to combat smuggling.
The tournament features 12 teams from secondary schools across the local government, engaging hundreds of students both on the pitch and in the stands.
He said that the educational authorities, youth associations and community leaders have rallied behind the tournament, praising it as a timely intervention to keep students in the classroom and off the smuggling routes.
Afeni said that the grand prizes, which include educational materials and cash, would be awarded to the winning institutions and outstanding players.
The controller said that the competition had kicked off on 13 July, at Iko Gate Grammar School, Idiroko, and is set to conclude with a grand finale on 24 July. (NAN)
