Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has commended the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for the successful hosting of the 2025 African Women’s Volleyball Club Championship.

She also celebrated the rising prominence of African athletes in global sports and the exceptional talent showcased at the event.

The championship, which took place at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, drew top volleyball clubs from across the continent, showcasing elite-level competition and camaraderie.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, the first Lady, congratulated Zamalek Club, the champions of the tournament, lauding their discipline and perseverance.

While commending the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for successfully hosting the event, she also praised the leadership of Mallam Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission.

The championship was won by defending champions Zamalek women’s volleyball club who defeated local rivals Ah Ahly 3-1 (29-27, 22-25, 25-20, 25-22) to lift the trophy for a 3rd successive time. The nail biting match had the First Lady on the edge of her seat, as it wasn’t clear which of the teams she was routing for.

The first Lady said: “We have been in the spirit of Africa and its finals. While I personally witnessed the excellent skills displayed during the opening match between Nigeria and Cameroon, I have no doubt that Africa is set to rule the world of sports.

“To our champion of today, Zamalek Club, on behalf of Nigeria and the entire continent of Africa, I say a big congratulations. Your victory today was earned through complex hours of practice, teamwork and perseverance. We all can attest to it that your journey to this podium belongs not before this tournament.

“In community courts, in everyday training sessions and in moments when you chose to push forward despite exhaustion and doubt, today you have achieved the reward of that investment and commitment. To every team that you have beaten, I celebrate you all. You have honoured us with your participation and inspired us with your performance.”

Senator Tinubu also celebrated the efforts of all participating teams, acknowledging their role in inspiring young athletes and promoting the strength and resilience of African women.

She further appreciated the President of the Nigeria Women’s Green Committee, the President of the Federation of African Volleyball, and the President of the Nigerian Volleyball Federation for their contributions to the success of the championship.

In his remarks, Comptroller-General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, expressed gratitude to the First Lady, hailing her as a driving force behind the success of the championship.

Adeniyi said: “I would like to thank Her Excellency, the First Lady and Grand Patron. She has set a remarkable example. The Confederation of African Volleyball (CAVB) is considering naming her Grand Patron of future tournaments.

“You can see how she has mobilized women and elevated the visibility and popularity of the sport.”

Adeniyi noted that Nigeria Customs had two goals for the championship—hosting and competing, and while the team finished ninth, the overall goal of promoting volleyball and women’s development was achieved.

He added, “This is not just an event, it’s a process. We’ve made it part of our agenda to support society through sports development. We want to identify, nurture, and expose talents nationally and internationally. What we are doing in volleyball, we are also doing in basketball and athletics.”

Adeniyi, also a board member of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation, added: “Very soon, you will see customs wrestlers in action. We’re on the right path, and with your continued support, we will do even more.”