FIRS, CRIRS Strengthen Partnership with Customer Service Week Novelty Match
By Ebi COLLINS
In a vibrant display of camaraderie, teamwork, and inter-agency cooperation, the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) on Thursday, hosted the Cross River Internal Revenue Service (CRIRS) to a novelty football match as part of activities marking the 2025 Customer Service Week, themed “Mission: Possible.”
The symbolic encounter, which kicked off at 4:00 p.m. on the Eastern Secondary School Football Field in Calabar, was the first-ever friendly game between the two tax institutions. The atmosphere brimmed with excitement as staff, supporters, and community members turned out in large numbers to cheer both sides in what became an unforgettable sporting spectacle.
The FIRS team showed early intent, taking the lead barely three minutes into the first half after Johnson Aboyi confidently converted a penalty. However, the spirited CRIRS squad fought back with determination, and in the 27th minute of the second half, Oviong Kingsley netted a stunning equalizer to bring the scoreline to 1–1, sparking wild jubilation from the stands.
Officiated by Referee Isaacs Aniah and assisted by Linesmen Bassey Harry and Innocent Eteng, the match was played in an atmosphere of fairness and friendship, perfectly capturing the essence of the Customer Service Week celebration: teamwork, excellence, and human connection.
Speaking after the match, the Executive Chairman of CRIRS, Prince Edwin Okon, represented by the Director of Administration, Mr. Uket Bassey, expressed gratitude to FIRS for hosting the memorable event and reaffirmed CRIRS’s readiness for a return match.
“We thank the FIRS for this initiative and for fostering a spirit of friendship between our two agencies. This game has demonstrated competence, collaboration, and unity of purpose. We’ve already told our team to prepare for a return match soon, and we look forward to another great encounter. As we all return home, may the Lord be with us,” he said.
Also speaking, the State Monitor of FIRS, Mr. Joseph Ohiemi, who conveyed the goodwill message of the Executive Chairman of FIRS, Dr. Zacch Adedeji, commended both teams for their sportsmanship and unity.
“On behalf of the Executive Chairman of FIRS, I extend warm congratulations to the Executive Chairman, management, and staff of the Cross River Internal Revenue Service. It was a beautiful game, and we thank God for a successful outing. This match has shown that we are fit and united, and we’ll continue to train harder for even better games ahead. Congratulations to both FIRS and CRIRS teams; the mission is indeed possible.”
