NCS powered African Women Volleyball Tournament names First Lady Remi Tinubu Grand Patron

…Urges 3 women DCG’s present to motivate others

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

As preparation for the long-awaited African Women Volleyball Tournament enters its final stage, the Nigeria Customs Service(NCS) has named the First Lady and wife of the President of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the Grand Patron of the tournament.

Adewale Adeniyi, the Comptroller-General NCS made the pronouncement last Friday, March 14th, 2025, barley 16 day to the take of the tournament at an officially visit to the First Lady at her office in Aso Rock Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The tournament slated to take off on April 1, 2025 will end on April 14, 2025 in Abuja Nigerian capital.

It will be recalled that The Director-General of the National Sports Commission, Bukola Olopade, it will be recalled had commended the Nigeria Customs Service on February 17, 2025 for securing the hosting rights for the CAVB 2025 Women’s African Club Volleyball Championship.

Commending the first lady, CGC Adeniyi lauded her unwavering commitment to women’s empowerment, citing her Renewed Hope Initiative, which has positively impacted education, healthcare, and economic empowerment for women, youth, and vulnerable groups.

He noted that her leadership has inspired institutional reforms across various sectors, including the Nigeria Customs Service.

The CGC highlighted the Service’s 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.

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.” CGC Adeniyi said.

Beyond sports, the CGC emphasised the Service’s commitment to gender balance, highlighting the appointment of women to strategic leadership positions, including Excise and Free Trade Zones, Tariff and Trade, and ICT/Modernization Departments.

He further acknowledged 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.” CGC Adeniyi added.

However, he reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to promoting women’s participation in leadership and sports, pledging continued support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the First Lady’s vision for gender inclusion in national development.

Responding, First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu accepted the offer, emphasising that the nation has room for women in all spheres and they can occupy that space with their continued hard work and dedication.

“I accepted this offer—and I keep telling women, there’s always a space for you. There’s a space for you. Nobody’s asking you not to amount to anything. You just have to work more.” The First Lady said.

She further called on Nigerian female star athletes who have made names abroad to return home and inspire the next generation, urging 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.

“Share not just your stories of successes and achievements but also your humble beginnings,” the first lady stated.

To the NCS, she said “I can see that out of the 4 DCGs here 3 of you are women. And that tells me you have worked, worked, worked and worked. 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.