All is now set for the inaugural edition of Military/Paramilitary Wrestling Championship scheduled for October 19-25, 2024 at the Indoor Sports Hall, Package B of the Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abuja.
A total of 14 military and paramilitary agencies – including Nigerian Army, Police, Custom, Air Force, Navy, DSS, FRSC, NDLEA, NSCDC, Correctional Service, Immigration Service, Fire Service, EFCC and ICPC ready to battle for supremacy at the week long event.
President, Nigeria Wrestling Federation (NWF), Dr Daniel Igali, who disclosed this at the press briefing heralding the championship in Abuja, commended the Comptroller- General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for his immense support towards enhance the development of wrestling in the arm forces and other security agencies in Nigeria.
“Today, we stand at the precipice of a new chapter, celebrating the birth of a championship that arises from the warmth, dedication, and benevolence of our esteemed Comptroller General of Customs Service, Alhaji Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR.
“His philanthropic spirit and commitment to uplifting others command our admiration, and I convey our gratitude on behalf of the entire board and the wrestling community of Nigeria.”
Igal, who is also the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Sports, stated further that the championship will foster working cohesion among the military and the paramilitary personnel.
“This championship is not merely an event; it is a manifestation of the Federation’s vision to propagate and enhance the art of wrestling amongst the Armed Forces and Paramilitary Agencies.”
“The introduction of this inaugural championship promises to significantly strengthen the dynamic synergy between military and civilian spheres through the shared values inherent in sportsmanship,” Igali said
Speaking at the press briefing, CG of Customs, who was represented by ACG Headquarters, Alhaji Ibrahim Umar, said his organisation will do all within its power to make the championship a huge success.
“The importance of sports cannot be over emphasized, it assists us to develop leadership skills and it equips us with the ability to set goals and achieve those goals, and we believe that athletes will be discovered during the championship.
“Anybody who knows the CGC will know that he is a lover of sports and that is the reason he is making the move to sponsor the championship.
“The Nigerian Customs Service through the CGC is collaborating with the NWF to sponsor the championship as part of our corporate social responsibility, a way of giving back to the society,” Umar stated.
Earlier, chairman of the organizing committee, Brigadier General Olawale Fawole, said preparations are in top gear to have a hitch free championship.
“We have agreed on the location of the championship, the technical team of the wrestling federation is fully ready to give the necessary assistance, we have conducted inspection of the facilities, and the ministry of sports is giving us their hostel.
“All the military and paramilitary are ready to assist with their staff and facility; I can tell you that we are fully ready to have a successful championship”.
The logo and mascot of the wrestling championship were equally unveiled at the event.
