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Customs Names First Lady Remi Tinubu As ‘Grand Patron’ For 2025 African Volleyball Championship

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…As CGC Adeniyi champions gender inclusion in Nigeria Customs Service

Joel Ajayi

Following the preparation to commence the long-awaited African Volleyball Tournament in April 2025, the Nigeria Customs Service has named the First Lady and wife of the President of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, as the Grand Patron of the upcoming female volleyball tournament.


The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, made this announcement on Friday, when he officially visited the First Lady at her office in Aso Rock Presidential Villa, Abuja.During the engagement, CGC Adeniyi lauded the First Lady’s unwavering commitment to women’s empowerment, citing her Renewed Hope Initiative, which has positively impacted education, healthcare, and economic empowerment for women, youth, and vulnerable groups. He noted that her leadership has inspired institutional reforms across various sectors, including the Nigeria Customs Service.

The CGC highlighted the Service’s investment in women’s sports, noting that its volleyball team has 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 the First Lady’s presence at the championship would boost athletes’ morale.


“Your Excellency, 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”, CGC Adeniyi said.


Beyond sports, the CGC emphasised the Service’s commitment to gender balance, highlighting the appointment of women to strategic leadership positions, including Excise and Free Trade Zones, Tariff and Trade, and ICT/Modernization Departments.

He further acknowledged the contributions of female officers leading critical initiatives such as the Corporate Social Responsibility ,CSR, Programme, Single Window project, and Authorised Economic Operator Programme, which have significantly modernised Customs operations.

“Following Your Excellency’s inspiring example, we are actively implementing policies that provide equal opportunities for women to express themselves and excel in our Service. Today, women hold critical leadership positions and drive key modernisation efforts”, CGC Adeniyi added.


However, he reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to promoting women’s participation in leadership and sports, pledging continued support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the First Lady’s vision for gender inclusion in national development.


Responding, First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu accepted the offer, emphasising that women must continue to take up spaces in all spheres of life.


“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”, the First Lady said.


She further called on Nigerian female star athletes who have made names abroad to return home and inspire the next generation, urging figures like Tobi Amusan and others to actively 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”, Senator Oluremi added.

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NSC Hails Nigerian Badminton Team as Eniola Bolaji Strikes Gold, Men’s Doubles Team Secures Bronze in Spanish International Tourney

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Joel Ajayi

The National Sports Commission (NSC) has applauded the Nigerian contingent at the 2025 Spanish Parabadminton International, after another impressive outing that saw the team secure a gold and a bronze medal in Toledo, Spain, on Sunday.

Paralympic medallist Eniola Bolaji continued her dominance, winning her second gold medal in two weeks with a commanding 2-0 (21-7, 21-10) victory over Turkey’s Halime Yildiz in the women’s SL3 final. Bolaji had won gold a week earlier at the Spanish International in Victoria, Spain.

In the men’s SL4 doubles event, Nnana Jeremiah and Eze Chukwuebuka delivered a strong performance, battling their way to a well-deserved bronze medal.

NSC Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, commended the athletes for making Nigeria proud and praised the Badminton Federation of Nigeria, led by Francis Orbih, for ensuring the team’s optimal performance on the international stage.

“These athletes have once again showcased the resilience and talent that define Nigerian sports. Their success is a lucid indication of their hard work and the strategic leadership we demand from the Badminton Federation and other sports federations. We are proud of them and remain committed to supporting their journey to greater heights,” Dikko said.

Director General of the NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade, emphasized that the achievements align with President Bola Tinubu’s vision of strengthening grassroots sports while ensuring Nigeria competes favorably on the global stage.

“As part of our mandate under President Tinubu’s administration, we are committed to developing talent from the grassroots and supporting our elite athletes to bring home international laurels. The NSC will continue to back the strategic vision of sports federations as we work towards building a strong and sustainable sports ecosystem,” Olopade stated.

Since the National Sports Commission leadership took office, Nigerian contingents have continued to impress internationally including international successes in cricket and basketball recorded thus far. The NSC leadership stated that no stone will be left unturned until Nigerian sports reaches its full potentials.

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