Customs Names First Lady Remi Tinubu as Grand Patron of African Volleyball Tournament
…As CGC Adeniyi Champions Gender Inclusion in Nigeria Customs Service
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has named the First Lady and wife of the President of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, as the Grand Patron of the highly anticipated African Volleyball Tournament, scheduled to take place in April 2025.
The announcement was made by the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, during an official visit to the First Lady at her office in Aso Rock Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Friday, 14 March 2025.
The African Volleyball Tournament, officially known as the CAVB 2025 Women’s African Club Volleyball Championship, will be held in Abuja from 1 to 14 April 2025.
The Nigeria Customs Service secured the hosting rights for the championship, which is expected to attract top female volleyball clubs from across the continent.
The Director-General of the National Sports Commission, Bukola Olopade, had earlier commended the NCS for securing the hosting rights, describing it as a significant milestone for Nigerian sports.
During the visit, CGC Adeniyi praised the First Lady’s steadfast commitment to women’s empowerment through her Renewed Hope Initiative, which has positively influenced key sectors such as education, healthcare, and economic empowerment for women, youth, and vulnerable groups.
He highlighted that her leadership had inspired institutional reforms across various sectors, including within the Nigeria Customs Service.
“We recognise Your Excellency’s remarkable leadership and advocacy for women’s advancement,” Adeniyi said. “In honour of your inspiring work, we humbly request that you serve as the Grand Patron of this prestigious tournament. Your presence at the official opening ceremony would significantly elevate the importance of this championship and inspire our athletes to achieve even greater heights.”
The CGC underscored the NCS’s investment in women’s sports, noting that the Service’s volleyball team has secured major titles, including 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 involvement would further boost the morale of the participating athletes.
Beyond the sporting arena, CGC Adeniyi highlighted the NCS’s broader commitment to gender inclusion, pointing out that women currently hold key leadership positions within the Service.
He cited female-led strategic roles in the Excise and Free Trade Zones, Tariff and Trade, and ICT/Modernisation Departments as evidence of the Service’s progressive approach.
He also acknowledged the contributions of female officers driving critical initiatives such as the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Programme, the Single Window project, and the Authorised Economic Operator Programme, which have significantly modernised customs operations.
“Following Your Excellency’s inspiring example, we are committed to implementing policies that ensure women have equal opportunities to lead and excel within the Service,” Adeniyi stated. “Today, women are at the forefront of key modernisation efforts within the NCS.”
In her response, First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu accepted the offer, emphasising the importance of women’s active participation in all spheres of life.
“I accepted this offer—and I keep telling women, there’s always a space for you,” the First Lady said. “Nobody is asking you not to amount to anything. You just have to work more.”
She further called on Nigerian female sports stars who have gained recognition abroad to return home and mentor the next generation of athletes.
She specifically mentioned Tobi Amusan and other accomplished athletes, urging them to actively inspire young girls in Nigeria.
“These are role models for our girls,” she said. “But they shouldn’t just remain popular abroad—they should come home and encourage other girls. When God gives you a platform, you are not just standing for yourself, you are standing for millions of other women.”
The First Lady’s acceptance of the role as Grand Patron is expected to enhance the profile of the African Volleyball Tournament and encourage greater female participation in sports and leadership within Nigeria and beyond.
