Oluremi Tinubu becomes 2025 Volleyball Grand Patron
First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has been named the Grand Patron of the 2025 African Women’s Volleyball Championship, set to take place in April.
During a courtesy visit to the State House in Abuja, the leadership of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the National Sports Commission (NSC), led by Comptroller General Wale Adeniyi, conferred the honor on the First Lady in recognition of her support for female athletes in Nigeria.
In her remarks, Senator Tinubu expressed gratitude for the recognition, emphasizing the important role women play in Nigerian sports and beyond. She encouraged female athletes to serve as mentors and role models for young girls, inspiring them with their stories of both success and perseverance.
“Out of the four Deputy Comptroller Generals here, three are women. That tells me you have worked hard. For you to be at the top, you must have put in immense effort. When you are given a platform, it is not just about you—go on and lift others,” she said.
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The First Lady also called on Nigerian female athletes abroad to return home and share their experiences to motivate the next generation.
Comptroller General Adeniyi, while presenting her with the patronage, highlighted her unwavering commitment to women in sports. “There is a popular saying that when a woman puts her hand to the plough, the earth itself will respond to her. Your initiatives and generosity are unparalleled, and they serve as a great source of inspiration,” he said.
The Director General of the National Sports Commission, Bukola Olapade, praised the Tinubu administration’s impact on the sports sector, particularly in empowering female athletes. He noted that through the President’s vision and the First Lady’s support, Nigerian girls now have a stronger foundation in sports and greater opportunities for success.
Senator Tinubu was formally presented with her official kits as Grand Patron of the tournament, which will be hosted by Nigeria. The championship, scheduled to run from April 1 to April 14, 2025, will see 23 other African nations competing alongside Nigeria, with the Nigeria Customs Service representing the country.
