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

*Nigerian First Lady (Senator) Oluremi Tinubu, CON, is honoured as the Grand Patron for the 2025 African Women’s Volleyball Championship, scheduled to hold April 1-14, 2025

Alexander Davis | ConsumerConnect

Nigerian First Lady (Senator) Oluremi Tinubu, CON, has said the country has a space for women in all spheres of life, and they can occupy that space with continued hard work, dedication.

Senator Oluremi Tinubu stated during the visit of the Management team of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), National Sports Commission (NSC), to her in the State House, Abuja, FCT.

Adewale Adeniyi, Comptroller-General of NCS, led the delegation on the visit to honour the First Lady as the Grand Patron for the 2025 African Women’s Volleyball Championship.

The forthcoming tournament is scheduled for April 2025.

Busola Kukoyi, Senior Special Assistant (SSA) Media to the First Lady on Media, in a statement at the weekend, said Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who expressed her appreciation for the honour.

She also affirmed that Nigeria occupies the pride of place in the sports world due to the relentless efforts of female athletes.

Mrs. Tinubu, therefore, urged females, who have made their marks to mentor, and be role models to young Nigerian females with the message of encouragement to them.

The First Lady urged further urged Nigerian female star athletes to return home, and inspire other girls.

She stated: “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 you have worked, worked, worked and worked.”

First Lady Tinubu said: “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.”

The visiting team averred that Senator Oluremi Tinubu is fast gaining reputation as a pillar of sports in Nigeria, particularly, where it involves women.

They also explained that she is expected to carry yet another torch for women as the Grand Patron for the 2025 African Women’s Club Volleyball Championship, to be hosted by Nigeria, with the Customs Service, flying the Nigerian flag.

Adewale Adeniyi, Comptroller-General of Customs, while presenting her with the offer, said the Service had taken particular note of her support for female athletes and teams in the country.

Adeniyi stated the Service would want her inspire the Nigerian team to victory at the championship.

The NCS Chief submitted: “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, Bukola Olapade, Director-General of the National Sports Commission, said the vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the support of the First Lady for Sports have brought in a new vista of life to participants in the sector, especially the females.

Olapade stated the Nigerian girl child could then, truly hold her head up high.

The team later presented First Lady Tinubu 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, Kukoyi stated.