First Lady Remi Tinubu Declares 2025 Women’s African Club Volleyball Championship Open.

First Lady Remi Tinubu Declares 2025 Women’s African Club Volleyball Championship Open.
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… As Customs Team Waloops Cameroonian Counterparts in Opening Match.

By Joe Njoku,
Global Freight News.

The first Lady and Wife of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu graced the momentous occasion of the 2025 Women’s African Club Volleyball Championship, where she officially declared the tournament open.

This historic edition marks the first time Nigeria is hosting the African Women’s Volleyball Tournament, bringing together elite clubs from across the continent to complete at the Moshood Abiola International Stadium, Abuja.

Speaking at the occasion, the First Lady welcomed the participating teams and commended the organizers for their dedication to promote volleyball in Africa.

According to her, “This tournament reflects the strength, determination, and talents of African Women in sports. I encourage all teams to compete with discipline, respect, and true sportsmanship. Let this championship be a platform for building friendships and inspiring future generations,” She said.

She also applauded the Nigeria Customs Service for its Commitment to sport development, noting that such initiatives contribute to youth empowerment and national unity.

The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, in his earlier address, highlighted the importance of the tournament in fostering bilateral relationships between the participating countries and showcasing Nigeria’s excellence in sports.

“Success is measured by the standards we uphold, the opportunities we create, and the inspiration we provide. To all the athletes competing, this is more than a game. It is a stage where you inspire other and leave a legacy for the next generation. Play with passion, integrity, and the spirit of fair competition,” Adeniyi enthused.

He further emphasised the Nigeria Customs Service unwavering support for sport development, describing the tournament as a reflection of the Service’s commitment to youth engagement and national development.

“Sports has a unique way of uniting people beyond barriers, fostering teamwork, discipline, and perseverance. As you take to the court, remember that your performance will inspire many many young girls across the continent who aspire to be where you are. Let this tournament serve as a reminder that through hard work and determination, excellence is achievable.” He added.

Also, he expressed his gratitude to the First Lady for her support, stating that her Renewed Hope Initiative has been instrumental in advancing youth and women’s development across various sectors, including sports in the country.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko commended Nigeria Customs Service for securing a right to host the tournament, describing it as a milestone in African volleyball.

“This championship game serves as a platform for African teams to showcase their skill at the highest level. Hosting this event in Nigeria reflects the country’s rising status in global sports and the commitment of our institutions to developing talents across various discipline,” he said.

He further acknowledged the First Lady’s presence, stating that her role as the grand patron of the championship signifies a new era of support for women’s sports.

The presence of Her Excellency is a testament to the government’s resolve to uplift women’s sports and provide opportunities for female athletes to excel on the global stage. Your leadership and advocacy have continued to inspire young athletes and we are confident that this championship Will leave a lasting impact on the future of African volleyball,” he added.

He therefore urged corporate organizations and stakeholders to invest more in the growth of women’s volleyball in Africa, adding that, “Sports development requires collaboration. We must seize this opportunity to foster stronger partnership between government, private institutions, and sports federations to ensure the continuous progress of women’s volleyball in Africa.”

Similarly, the President of the Africa Volleyball Confederation, Boucha Hajij, highlighted the importance of fair play and discipline among the competing teams.

“This tournament is more than just a competition; It is an avenue to promote unity, friendship, and the shared passion we have for volleyball. I urge all participating teams to respect the rules, uphold the spirit of the game, and demonstrate the highest level of sportsmanship throughout the competition,” She said.

She also praised Nigeria for hosting the championship and providing a world class platform female athletes to excel.

“The African Volleyball Confederation is proud to see Nigeria hosting this historic event. It is a reflection of the country’s growing influence in sports development and it’s commitment to promoting women’s participation in athletes. I encourage all teams to use this opportunity to showcase their best performance while also building relationships that will strengthen the volleyball community across Africa, ” she added.