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

Nigeria’s First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, has been honoured as the Grand Patron for the 2025 African Women’s Volleyball Championship.

The announcement was made during a visit by the management team of the Nigeria Customs Service led by the Comptroller General, Mr. Wale Adeniyi, and the National Sports Commission to the State House, Abuja, on Saturday.

Sen. Tinubu expressed her appreciation for the honour, emphasizing that women have a rightful place in all spheres of the nation and can occupy that space through hard work and dedication.

“Women have a space in all spheres, and they can occupy that space with their continued hard work and dedication,” she said.

The first lady also pointed out Nigeria’s esteemed position in the global sports community, crediting the tireless efforts of female athletes.

She urged them to mentor and inspire young Nigerian girls with their stories of perseverance and success.

“I can see that out of the four Deputy Comptroller Generals here, three of you are women. And that tells me you have worked, worked, worked, and worked.

“To be at the top, you must have worked hard. When given a platform, it is not just about you—go on and lift others, encourage them.”

On his part, the Customs CG, Adeniyi, praised Mrs. Tinubu’s unwavering support for female athletes, saying, “There is a popular saying that when a woman puts her hand to the plow, the earth itself will respond to her.

“Your initiatives and generosity are unparalleled and serve as a great source of inspiration to us all.”

The 2025 African Women’s Volleyball Championship will be hosted in Abuja from April 1 to April 14 featuring 23 African nations including host country Nigeria.

As grand patron, the first lady is expected to champion female athletes and promote women’s sports development in Nigeria.