The Nigeria Customs Service has named the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, as the Grand Patron of the upcoming CAVB 2025 Women’s African Club Volleyball Championship. The announcement was made by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, during his visit to the First Lady at her office in Aso Rock Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Friday, March 14, 2025.
This recognition comes as Nigeria prepares to host the prestigious volleyball tournament, which will take place in Abuja from April 1 to 14, 2025. The hosting rights were secured by the Nigeria Customs Service, earning commendation from the Director-General of the National Sports Commission, Bukola Olopade, on February 17, 2025.
During his engagement with the First Lady, CGC Adeniyi praised her for her dedication to women’s empowerment, particularly through her Renewed Hope Initiative, which has significantly impacted education, healthcare, and economic opportunities for women, youth, and vulnerable groups. He noted that her leadership has driven institutional reforms, including those within the Nigeria Customs Service.
The CGC also highlighted Customs’ contributions to women’s sports, pointing out the successes of its volleyball team, which 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 Senator Tinubu’s support would serve as a morale booster for athletes.
“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,” Adeniyi stated.
Beyond sports, he reiterated the Service’s commitment to gender inclusion, highlighting the appointment of women to key leadership roles in Excise and Free Trade Zones, Tariff and Trade, and ICT/Modernization Departments. He also acknowledged female officers leading major initiatives such as the Corporate Social Responsibility Programme, the Single Window project, and the Authorised Economic Operator Programme, all of which have contributed to modernizing Customs operations.
Following the CGC’s remarks, Senator Oluremi Tinubu accepted the role of Grand Patron and encouraged women to take up leadership positions across various sectors. “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,” she said.
She also called on Nigerian female athletes who have gained global recognition, such as Tobi Amusan, to return home and 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,” she added.
The Nigeria Customs Service reaffirmed its commitment to advancing gender inclusion in leadership and sports, pledging continued support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the First Lady’s vision for greater female participation in national development.