Tincan Customs backs International Wrestling Championship to boost youth empowerment

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

The Tincan Island Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has partnered with the Nigerian Professional Wrestling Federation(NPWF), to promote the upcoming African International Wrestling Championship.

The NPWF delegation led by its national president, Chief John Uche visited the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Frank Onyeka, at the Command Headquarters in Lagos on Tuesday 7 October, 2025.

The partnership they revealed was aimed  at empowering over 100 Nigerian youths through grassroots development programs and showcase Nigeria’s untapped wrestling potential.

In a release by CSC Oscar Ivara, Public Relations officer(PRO) of Tincan Island Port Command, Apapa-Lagos said the delegation revealed that the purpose of the visit was to formally inform the Command about the upcoming African International Wrestling Championship scheduled to take place from October 18 to 19, 2025, at Dr. Alex Ekwueme Square, Awka, Anambra State.

According to Chief Uche, the international event will feature wrestling legends and emerging talents from Nigeria, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and several African nations.

The President further highlighted that the Federation’s broader objectives include curbing youth restiveness, reducing poverty, and creating sustainable job opportunities through sporting events.

Comptroller Frank Onyeka in his remarks commended the Federation for its efforts in promoting local sporting activities and for recognizing the Nigeria Customs Service as a strategic partner. He affirmed the Service’s unwavering commitment to youth development and grassroots sports promotion under the leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, psc (+).

He noted that the Customs Service has consistently supported various sporting initiatives across the country and will continue to collaborate with stakeholders committed to national development through sports.

High point of the visit was the unveiling and formal presentation of the championship trophy and award of excellence to the Customs Area Controller by the NPWF leadership, symbolizing partnership and mutual commitment to the success of the tournament.