KLT Chapter Smalls Out Rivals as KLT’s Adebayo Claims ANLCA @ 72 Table Tennis Crown

BY FUNMI ALUKO

​It was a captivating showcase of athleticism, fraternity, and vibrant camaraderie on Sunday as the Kirikiri Lighter Terminal (KLT) chapter of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) stole the spotlight, clinching the top prize at the ANLCA 72nd Anniversary Table Tennis Tournament in Lagos.

​The thrilling three-day anniversary fiesta kicked off at the Not Bad Sport Arena in Egbeda, drawing heavyweights, chapter leaders, and enthusiastic members from across the nation, including delegations from Kano, Port Harcourt, Seme, and Northern/Southern corridors under one roof to celebrate seven decades and two years of trade facilitation leadership.

​The atmosphere was electrified by top-tier banter, sumptuous feasts, and high spirits as members rallied behind the Sir Emenike Nwokeoji-led National Executive Committee (NECOM), praising his administration for rebuilding bridges, restoring unity, and rekindling the oneness that defines the association.

​Setting the tone for the competition, National President, Sir Emenike Nwokeoji paired up with Vice President and Chairman of the 72nd Anniversary Local Organising Committee (LOC), Prince Segun Oduntan, in a fiery, high-energy exhibition match that officially declared the games open.

​With 14 sharp contenders drawn from chapters nationwide including Apapa, Tin Can Island, PTML, Kano, Airport, Seme, KLT, and Port Harcourt—the knockout stages served non-stop courtroom drama.

In the opening round, KLT dispatched Apapa, Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) knocked out Ikorodu, Seme edged past PTML, Port Harcourt Airport bested Lekki Port, and Tin Can outpaced Port Harcourt Area 1.

​The quarter-final clashes intensified as MMIA ousted Tin Can, Seme grounded PH Airport, and KLT outmaneuvered Kano. Seme then edged past a tenacious MMIA side to book a coveted spot in the finals against KLT.

​The grand finale turned out to be a masterclass in precision. KLT’s star ping-pong wizard, Abeeb (Habib) Adebayo, playing under the leadership of KLT Chapter Chairman, Alhaji Ahmed Olajide Bello delivered a clean-sweep performance.
Adebayo dismantled Seme Chapter’s Olatunde Olubanjo (Tayo) in three straight sets to lift the ultimate championship trophy alongside the primary star prize of N250,000.

​Olubanjo earned a hard-won second-place finish, taking home N150,000, while Oladele Olawoye (Financial Secretary, PH Airport chapter) and Ibrahim Jamiu (MMIA chapter) tied for third place, splitting the N100,000 cash reward.

​Reflecting on the contest, President Nwokeoji praised the fierce sportsmanship displayed across all boards, emphasizing the deeper power of sports to heal divides and foster genuine harmony.

​“Sport will always produce winners and losers,” Nwokeoji told the cheering audience. “If you fail to win today, go home, prepare well, and tomorrow might be your turn. Sports remains an invaluable tool for fighting enmity, nurturing oneness, and building society.”

​In a warm gesture of community outreach, Nwokeoji also rewarded talented young local paddlers from the host arena who thrilled the delegates with a novelty pre-match showcase.

​Echoing the President’s sentiments, LOC Chairman and Vice President, Prince Segun Oduntan, highlighted that the sports festival was intentionally crafted to promote healthy living, mental relaxation, and bond-building beyond the high-stress demands of customs brokerage.

​The ceremonial prize presentation, coordinated by Prince Oduntan alongside National Publicity Secretary and Sub-Committee Chairman on Media/Tournament Emmanuel Onyeme, capped an unforgettable opening day.

​The 72nd-anniversary festivities continue on Monday with a solemn Remembrance Day honoring fallen comrades and outreach initiatives providing gifts to widows and vulnerable members.

The celebrations will reach a crescendo on Tuesday, October 29, 2026, with a grand gala at the Marriott Hotel, Ikeja, expecting maritime captains, customs chiefs, terminal operators, and government dignitaries across Nigeria’s trade supply chain.