Customs set up football team to curb smuggling n Ogun border communities

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ogun 1 Area Command has set up a football team as part of its non-kinetic efforts to stem the spate of smuggling in Ogun border communities.

The Area Controller, Bamidele Makinde, disclosed this at the command’s headquarters, saying players of the Customs FC were drawn from the various border communities across the state and Benin Republic.

According to him, the Customs FC, which has been in existence for decades, was promoted from the Nigeria Nationwide League Division 3 to Division 2 on July 19, 2022.

The customs boss explained that through the football team, the command would tame smuggling activities among the youths, adding that international soccer stars would also be discovered.

“Aside from the proactive operations in checking illicit trade in Idiroko Border, the Command also engages in non-kinetic activities whose objective is to make the area conducive for economic activities to thrive.

“Currently, the Command’s football club (known as Customs FC) which has been in existence for decades was promoted from the Nigeria Nationwide league, division three (3) to division two (2) on 19th July 2022.

“Presently, youths from the various border communities across the state constitute a majority of its players (about 18 of them).

“Another six (6) of its players are natives of different states of the nation and Republic of Benin, while only eight (8) of its players are officers of Nigeria Customs Service,” he said.

Makinde said one of the team’s coaches, Fatai Biliyu “is currently undergoing training at the National Institute for Sports, Surulere, Lagos State for a one-year advanced coaching course, being sponsored by Nigeria Customs Service.”

He added that “One of the advantages derivable from the football club is to keep the youth (native players from the border communities) engaged so that they may stay away from illicit and criminal activities while ensuring that they earn a living.

“In addition, with the recent promotion to Division 2 of the National League, the prospect of its promotion to Division 1 and ultimately to the Premier League is high.

“I wish to add that, the mission and vision of the Command are to groom international players of repute and enviable status which will consequently, be a glory for their respective communities.”