The Tincan Island Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has joined hands with the Nigerian Professional Wrestling Federation (NPWF) to promote sports and youth empowerment through the forthcoming African International Wrestling Championship scheduled to take place from October 18 to 19, 2025, in Awka, Anambra State.
During a courtesy visit to the Command Headquarters in Lagos on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, the leadership of the Federation, led by its National President, Chief John Uche, met with the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Frank Onyeka, to formally brief the Command on preparations for the international sporting event.
Chief Uche disclosed that the championship would feature wrestling legends and emerging athletes from Nigeria, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and several African countries. According to him, the event aims to showcase Nigeria’s potential in professional wrestling while creating meaningful opportunities for young talents across the country.
He explained that beyond the competitive excitement, the tournament is designed to empower more than 100 Nigerian youths through grassroots development programs and skill-building initiatives. The Federation, he added, remains committed to curbing youth restiveness and poverty by providing sustainable career pathways through sports.
Chief Uche further emphasized that the Federation views sports as a tool for national unity and social transformation. “Our goal is to raise a generation of disciplined, skilled, and globally competitive athletes who can represent Nigeria proudly,” he said, noting that the support of public institutions like the Customs Service is vital to achieving this vision.
In his response, Comptroller Frank Onyeka commended the Nigerian Professional Wrestling Federation for its foresight and commitment to developing homegrown sporting talent. He praised the initiative as one that aligns perfectly with the Customs Service’s ongoing efforts to promote community engagement and youth development.
Onyeka affirmed that the Nigeria Customs Service, under the leadership of Comptroller-General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, psc (+), has consistently supported sporting initiatives that build character, discipline, and teamwork among young people. He added that the Service recognizes sports as an essential platform for national development and social cohesion.
The Comptroller described the upcoming championship as a welcome opportunity to unite Africans through sports, projecting Nigeria not only as a participant but also as a leading host in the global wrestling community. “When our youths are meaningfully engaged, society becomes safer and stronger,” he remarked.
He reiterated that the Customs Service remains open to partnerships that advance the cause of education, sports, and youth empowerment, stressing that the Command will continue to identify with credible organizations whose initiatives align with the Service’s core values.
During the visit, the NPWF delegation unveiled the official Championship Trophy and presented it to Comptroller Onyeka as a symbol of partnership and mutual commitment to the success of the tournament. The gesture was accompanied by an Award of Excellence in recognition of the Area Controller’s support for youth-focused initiatives and his exemplary leadership within the Customs community.
The presentation ceremony, marked by warmth and camaraderie, underscored the growing synergy between the Nigeria Customs Service and the sports sector. Both institutions reaffirmed their shared vision of empowering Nigerian youths and promoting positive engagement through creative and productive platforms.
Chief Uche expressed appreciation to the Customs Area Controller and his team for their hospitality and for recognizing sports as a viable instrument for social change. He pledged the Federation’s continued dedication to promoting discipline, resilience, and patriotism among athletes nationwide.
As the countdown to the championship begins, excitement continues to build across the wrestling community and among young enthusiasts who see the event as a beacon of hope and opportunity. The Federation believes that such collaborations will not only inspire national pride but also help position Nigeria as a continental hub for professional wrestling.
The meeting ended with a renewed commitment from both sides to deepen collaboration in youth development and national integration through sports. For the Tincan Island Command, the partnership symbolizes more than support for a tournament — it reflects a deep belief in the power of sports to transform lives and build a stronger Nigeria.
