The Western Marine Command of the Nigeria Customs Service on Wednesday strengthened its commitment to community development with the commissioning of the Wale Adeniyi Sports Arena in Ibafon, Lagos.
The facility, built as part of the Command’s corporate social responsibility efforts, was inaugurated by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, who described it as a strategic investment in preventive security and lasting peace.
Featuring a football pitch, basketball court and table tennis facilities, the arena is designed to provide structured recreational opportunities for young people.
Adeniyi said sustainable security cannot depend solely on enforcement, but must be anchored on inclusion, opportunity and positive engagement. By creating platforms that inspire youths, he noted, communities become less vulnerable to crime, drug abuse and other social ills.
He stressed that Customs’ role extends beyond revenue generation and border protection to responsible corporate citizenship and national development, before formally declaring the arena open.
Controller of the Western Marine Command, P.N. Ntadi, said the project reflects a belief that security must combine enforcement with prevention. He explained that naming the facility after Wale Adeniyi, a former National Public Relations Officer of the Service, honours his professionalism and grassroots engagement while inspiring both officers and the wider community.