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First Lady named Grand Patron for 2025 African Women’s Volleyball Championship

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•L-R Captain of the NCS Volleyball team, ASC Helen Umeh, CG of NCS Wale Adeniyi, First Lady of Nigeria Oluremi Tinubu, DG Sports Commission Bukola Olapade, Assistant Captain of NCS Volleyball team, ASC Francisca Ikhiede and the President of Nigeria Volleyball federation, Musa Nimrod during a visit to the First Lady to invite her as Grand Patron of the 2025 African Women’s Volleyball Championship on Friday 14th March 2025 at the State House Abuja

From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja

First Lady of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu has been named Grand Patron for the 2025 African Women’s Volleyball Championship, scheduled for April, this year.

This is even as she declares that the nation 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 the 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 paid her a visit at the State House Abuja.

The First Lady who expressed her appreciation noted that the nation occupies the pride of place in the sports world due to the relentless efforts of female athletes.

She urged women who have been made their mark to mentor and be role models to young Nigeria women with the 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 4 DCGs here 3 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 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 nation.

The Comptroller General of Customs, Adeniyi, while presenting her with the offer said the Service has taken particular notes of her support for female athletes and teams in the country, and will want her inspire the Nigerian team to victory at the championship.

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“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 Olapade pointed out with enthusiasm that the vision of President Bola Tinubu and the support of the First Lady for Sports has brought in a new vista of life to participants in the sector especially the 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 kits as the Grand Patron of the 2025 Africa Female Volleyball Tournament.

Twenty three other African countries are expected to join the host, Nigeria, at the championship which runs between April 1 and 14.