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Says country has space in every sphere for women
Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
The First Lady of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu, has been named Grand Patron for the 2025 African Women’s Volleyball Championship, scheduled for April this year.
The First Lady declared that Nigeria has a space for women in all spheres, and they can occupy that space with their continued hard work and dedication.
In a statement by her media aide, Busola Kukoyi, the First Lady said this while speaking during a visit by the management team of the Nigeria Customs Service and the National Sports Commission, led by the Comptroller General of the NCS, Wale Adeniyi, who paid her a visit at the State House, Abuja.
The First Lady, who expressed her appreciation, noted that the country occupies a pride of place in the sports world due to the relentless efforts of female athletes.
She urged women who have made their mark to mentor and be role models to young Nigerian women with a message of encouragement.
She called on female star athletes from Nigeria to come back home and inspire other girls.
“Share not just your stories of successes and achievements but also your humble beginnings.”
“I can see that out of the four DCGs here, three of you are women. And that tells me, for you to be at the top, you must have worked hard. When you have been given a platform, it is not just about you. Go on and lift others, encourage them.”
Mrs. Tinubu, who, according to her guests, is fast gaining a reputation as a pillar of sports in Nigeria, particularly where it involves women, explained that she is expected to carry yet another torch for women, this time as the Grand Patron for the 2025 African Women’s Club Volleyball Championship, to be hosted by Nigeria, with the Customs Service flying the flag of the country.
The Comptroller General of Customs, Adeniyi, while presenting her with the offer, said the Service has taken particular note of her support for female athletes and teams in the country and will want her to inspire the Nigerian team to victory at the championship.
“There is a popular saying that when a woman puts her hand to the plough, the earth itself will respond to her. All your initiatives and generosity are unparalleled, and this is a great source of inspiration to us all.”
In his remarks, the Director General of the National Sports Commission, Bukola Olopade, pointed out with enthusiasm that the vision of President Bola Tinubu and the support of the First Lady for sports have brought a new vista of life to participants in the sector, especially females.
According to the DG, the Nigerian girl child can now truly hold her head up high.
The First Lady was then presented with her kit as the Grand Patron of the 2025 African Women’s Volleyball Championship.
Twenty-three other African countries are expected to join the host, Nigeria, at the championship, which runs between April 1 and 14.