Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, graced the closing ceremony of the 2025 Africa Women’s Volleyball Club Championship, showering praise on the athletes, organizers, and officials for a successful tournament. Her presence at the event, attended by a diverse audience including diplomats, sports officials, and volleyball enthusiasts from across Africa, underscored the significance of the championship and her commitment to the advancement of women’s sports. Addressing the assembled crowd, she commended the players for their impressive display of skill, discipline, and sportsmanship throughout the competition. Recalling the thrilling opening match between Nigeria and Cameroon, she highlighted the vibrant spirit of African sportsmanship that permeated the tournament.
Tinubu’s address particularly emphasized the victory of the Egyptian club, Zamalek, acknowledging their dedication, teamwork, and perseverance. She hailed their championship as a well-deserved reward for the countless hours of practice and unwavering commitment they invested in their journey. Drawing parallels to her own experiences navigating competitions and challenges, the First Lady recognized the inherent strength and resilience embodied by the athletes, qualities she identified as defining characteristics of African women. She encouraged the players to maintain their dedication and strive for continued excellence in their sporting pursuits.
Beyond celebrating the athletic achievements, Tinubu extended her gratitude to the various individuals and organizations that contributed to the success of the championship. She specifically acknowledged the Director General of the Department of State Services and his team for their instrumental role in hosting the event, commending their leadership and efficiency. She further recognized the invaluable contributions of the National Sports Commission, the Nigeria Olympic Committee President, and the Nigeria Volleyball Federation President, Engineer Musa Ibrahim, highlighting their collaborative efforts in ensuring a smoothly run and impactful tournament. The First Lady also expressed her appreciation to the sponsors, coaches, volunteers, and spectators, whose collective support created a vibrant and memorable atmosphere.
In her closing remarks, Tinubu reaffirmed her commitment to fostering the growth of women’s volleyball across the African continent. As the grand patron of the sport, she expressed immense pride in the accomplishments witnessed during the championship, emphasizing the unifying power of sports to bring people together. She envisioned a future where the sport continues to flourish, with the lessons learned during the tournament serving as a catalyst for strengthening women’s volleyball throughout Africa. With a final declaration officially closing the championship, the First Lady bid farewell to the participants, extending well wishes and invoking blessings upon the continent.
The First Lady’s presence and address at the closing ceremony signified more than just ceremonial recognition; it served as a powerful statement of support for women’s sports in Africa. Her words of encouragement and praise not only celebrated the achievements of the athletes but also underscored the importance of investing in the development of women’s volleyball. By recognizing the dedication, discipline, and resilience of the players, she highlighted the transformative potential of sports to empower women and foster a sense of unity and pride across the continent.
The 2025 Africa Women’s Volleyball Club Championship, beyond its sporting spectacle, became a platform for promoting female athleticism and leadership. The event, with its captivating displays of skill and sportsmanship, showcased the immense talent and potential within African women’s volleyball. The First Lady’s active participation and encouraging message further amplified the significance of the championship, leaving a lasting impact on the athletes and inspiring continued growth and development of the sport throughout Africa.
