African Women’s Volleyball Tournament: Nigeria Customs Honours First Lady with Grand Patron Role
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has honoured the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu with the Grand Patron role ahead of the African Women’s Volleyball Tournament.
The tournament is scheduled to take place in Abuja from April 1 to 14, 2025.
CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, the Comptroller-General of Customs gave the honour to the First Lady when he paid a courtesy visit to her office in Aso Rock Presidential Villa, Abuja on Friday, March 14.
The Public Relations Officer of NCS, Abdullahi Maiwada who disclosed this in a statement recalled that the Director-General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, commended the NCS on February 17, for securing the hosting rights for the CAVB 2025 Women’s African Club Volleyball Championship.
In his remarks, Comptroller Adeniyi lauded the First Lady’s unwavering commitment to women’s empowerment, citing her Renewed Hope Initiative, which has positively impacted education, healthcare, and economic empowerment for women, youths, and vulnerable groups.
He noted that her leadership has inspired institutional reforms across various sectors, including the Service.
The CGC highlighted Customs’ investment in women’s sports, noting that its volleyball team has won the Volleyball Premier League in 2018, 2022, and 2024, as well as the Confederation of Africa Zone 3 Volleyball Championship in 2018 and 2019 respectively.
He expressed confidence that the First Lady’s presence at the championship would boost athletes’ morale.
“Your Excellency, in recognition of your exemplary leadership and advocacy for women’s advancement, we humbly request that you honour us by serving as the Grand Patron of this momentous event. Your presence at the official opening ceremony would immeasurably elevate the significance of this championship and inspire our athletes to even greater heights,” the Comptroller said.
He emphasised the Service’s commitment to gender balance beyond sports, highlighting the appointment of women to strategic leadership positions, including Excise and Free Trade Zones, Tariff and Trade, and ICT/Modernisation Departments.
Adeniyi also affirmed the contributions of female officers leading critical initiatives such as the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Programme, Single Window Project, and Authorised Economic Operator Programme, which have significantly modernised Customs operations.
“Following Your Excellency’s inspiring example, we are actively implementing policies that provide equal opportunities for women to express themselves and excel in our Service. Today, women hold critical leadership positions and drive key modernisation efforts,” the Customs boss remarked.
He reiterated the Service’s commitment to promoting women’s participation in leadership and sports, and pledged continued support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the First Lady’s vision for gender inclusion in national development.
On her part, Senator Tinubu accepted the offer, stressing that women must continue to take up spaces in all spheres of life.
“I accepted this offer, and I keep telling women, there is always a space for you. There is a space for you. Nobody is asking you not to amount to anything. You just have to work more,” she stated.
The First lady called on the Nigerian female star athletes who have made names abroad to return home and inspire the next generation.
She urged figures like Tobi Amusan and others to actively mentor young girls in sports.
“These are role models for our girls, but don’t go out and just be popular there. They should come and encourage other girls. I want them to do that, because it matters a lot. When God gives you a platform, you are not just standing for yourself, you are standing for millions of other women,” she added.
