The Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) Western Zone is set to host its first-ever annual table tennis tournament on Friday, December 6, and Saturday, December 7, 2024.
This inaugural event, to be held at a premium sporting facility (Not Bad Sport Arena) with a sauna, gym, and a dedicated table tennis hall, aims to promote physical fitness, camaraderie, and stress relief for members and associated stakeholders within the Customs and maritime community.
Speaking at a press briefing on Tuesday, Prince Segun Oduntan, Vice President of ANLCA and the event’s chief host highlighted the motivation behind this initiative.
“In order to keep fit, beyond the regular work stress, we aim to show our members the importance of physical exercise,” he said. “While other sports like basketball or football are popular, we’ve chosen to focus on table tennis as a unifying sport for now.”
Oduntan explained that the timing of the tournament aligns with the close of the business year, offering an ideal setting for agents, colleagues, and industry stakeholders to gather in a relaxed, non-competitive environment. “We want to bring everyone together to forget business pressures, interact, and exercise. This event is open to all stakeholders, including the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Nigerian Customs, and various media houses,” he added, stressing that the event provides an atmosphere where people can engage in friendly competition and strengthen bonds across different sectors.
In line with ANLCA’s plans to make the tournament an annual event, Femi Anifowoshe, Zonal Coordinator for ANLCA Western Zone and co-host, emphasized the focus on health and wellness.
“After months of intense work, a forum like this allows members to assess their health. Physical fitness is critical, especially considering the health risks prevalent today. With regular exercise, individuals can monitor and improve their well-being,” Anifowoshe said.
For this inaugural edition, only two participants per organization will be allowed to ensure smooth coordination. With interest already exceeding expectations, Oduntan confirmed, “We are anticipating about 30 organizations, including some of our registered colleagues and companies. The tournament will be overseen by certified umpires from the Nigerian Table Tennis Federation to maintain competitive standards.”
The event features an enticing N10 million prizes, adding an exciting incentive to the friendly matches. The prize distribution will cover the first, second, and third positions, along with participant rewards, making it accessible and engaging for all skill levels. “The prize money is very attractive, and we aim to make this tournament a memorable grand finale for the year,” Oduntan stated.
Retired Deputy Comptroller Mike Ohadike owner of the sport Arena, commended ANLCA for choosing table tennis, noting its proven health benefits. “Studies show that table tennis can extend life expectancy and improve mental sharpness. Our facilities here, which include a sauna and a gym, offer the ideal setting for participants,” Ohadike remarked, confirming that the venue’s amenities would support a comfortable environment for the two-day event.
To accommodate participants traveling from outside Lagos, ANLCA has arranged for nearby hotel accommodations, ensuring a convenient experience. “We’ve established an agreement with a hotel just minutes away, where umpires and participants can stay, and there will be transportation provided to and from the venue,” added Oduntan.
During the question-and-answer session, Oduntan clarified that the tournament will welcome participation by command level from the Customs Service, facilitating a more inclusive representation of stakeholders within the Western Zone. He also underscored the association’s commitment to health, with medical staff on-site to check participants’ fitness levels.
The tournament, anticipated to grow annually, reflects ANLCA’s dedication to creating an industry culture that balances business with wellness and community. This landmark event marks a step towards integrating sports and health awareness into the professional lives of customs agents and maritime stakeholders, setting the foundation for a tradition of unity and fitness within ANLCA and beyond.
