By Sandra Chukwunyere The Ogun I Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has launched the Afeni Cup 2026 Football Tournament, an inter-secondary school competition designed to steer young people in border communities away from smuggling while promoting sportsmanship, education and positive values.
The football tournament, organised in partnership with Jonnyyeko College of Health Science and Technology, forms part of the Command’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative aimed at engaging students in productive activities and encouraging them to embrace legitimate career paths.
According to the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Deputy Superintendent of Customs (DSC) Chado Zakari, the initiative was conceived in response to the growing influence of smuggling on youths in border communities, particularly around Idiroko.
He said the tournament is intended to channel the energy of young people into healthy competition, teamwork and discipline, while educating them on the dangers and consequences of engaging in smuggling.
Declaring the tournament open at Iko Gate Grammar School, Idiroko, on July 13, the Acting Customs Area Controller of Ogun I Command, Deputy Comptroller Oladapo Afeni, said the initiative goes beyond football.
According to him, the competition is a platform to mentor young people, build character and demonstrate that success can be achieved through education, sports and other lawful ventures rather than illegal cross-border trade.
Afeni stressed that the Command remains committed to using community engagement and youth development initiatives to tackle the root causes of smuggling, noting that sports can serve as a powerful tool for inspiring positive change.
He added that the tournament is expected to discover and nurture young football talents while encouraging students to become responsible citizens and ambassadors of lawful conduct within their communities.
The competition features 12 secondary schools from across the local government area and will run until July 24, with hundreds of students participating both on the pitch and as supporters.
The initiative has received the backing of education authorities, community leaders and youth groups, who described it as a timely intervention that will help keep students engaged in meaningful activities and away from criminal influences.
At the end of the tournament, winning schools and outstanding players will receive cash prizes and educational materials in recognition of their performance and outstanding display of talent.
