ABEOKUTA – As part of concerted efforts to reduce smuggling in the border areas of Ogun State, the Customs Area Controller in Ogun State Command 1, Comptroller James Ojo has expressed his readiness to engage the of border communities in sporting activities to discourage them from illicit act.
The Customs Boss disclosed his while receiving Executive members of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Ogun State chapter at his Idiroko office.
Comptroller Ojo who underscored the importance of Sports as a tool to eradicate crimes emphasized that, if the youth are not properly utilized, they would become tools in the hands of the smugglers.
He said his command would ensure every border friendly community benefit from the Comptroller-General of Customs’ Social responsibility by facilitating developmental projects to encourage them.
Comptroller Ojo, therefore, expressed the readiness of the command to partnering and support SWAN towards the success of the forthcoming 4th edition of SWAN/SECURITY CUP billed to hold in August this year.
“Former Comptroller General at Seme border, Jibo MB set up a football team for the youth and that team is still there till today. The youth bought that idea and they are all participating in the sporting activities team.
“There is an existing football team in Ogun and I will ensure that the football team improve optimally in their performances. I’m going to improve on the customs football team. The service is solidly behind you.
“As per sports, you can count on me, I’m ever ready to be part of it, we will surely support your competition.
“Thank you for your contribution towards the health of our men. Your contribution to sports development cannot be over emphasized.
“As regard the SWAN Security Cup, we are not going to use mercenaries, although, we have civilians training with our officers as part of our CSR to our youths in the border communities, but none of them are registered for the SWAN Security Cup.”
Comptroller Ojo acknowledged the contributions of SWAN members in the development and growth sports in the country.
Earlier, the Chairman, Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN, Ogun State Chapter, Comrade Michael Azeez-Ogunsiji had explained that the visit was to intimate the Comptroller with the activities of the association especially the SWAN SECURITY CUP competition.
Comrade Ogunsiji told the customs boss that the competition is organised annually to promote unity and sustain the existing relationships among various security and safety agencies in the state.
He noted that the competition had in the last three years created jobs opportunities for some youths within participating agencies and solicited the continued support of the command to ensure that the competition achieve its set objectives.
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