The First Lady of Nigeria, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu on Thursday declared the 33rd edition of the African Women Volleyball Club Championship open.
Senator Tinubu who came with the wives of the Vice President, Chief of Staff to the President, Hajia Shettima; Mrs. Gbajabiamila, and others welcomed dignitaries from the embassies, visiting teams alongside their officials, officiating team, journalists and others, and described Nigeria as a great country with women who have achieved great things in sports over the years.
Oluremi however urged the participating teams to see themselves as ambassadors. Before the commencement of the match between one of Nigeria’s representatives, Customs team and Maya Kane Evolution of Botswana, she took a group photograph with the two teams. She also took group photographs with the referees and technical team.
Meanwhile, the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi while welcoming the athletes, officials and others noted that the players should see themselves as role models.
His words, “You are playing for the young girls out there not for yourself alone. So, please play to your potential. We are celebrating female excellence, we are helping to inspire the next generation. I urge you to support female participation.”
Delivering his welcome address, President, Confederation of African Volleyball, Mrs Bouchra Hajij thanked Nigeria for their hospitality and commitment to make the championship a success.
She also extended her gratitude to the players, clubsides, referees, media and others.
Hajij appreciated the Federations across the continent for their cooperation. “Together we are shaping the future of volleyball. Remember you are not just playing for your clubs but inspiring younger ones,” she concluded.
Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko while welcoming the visitors to Nigeria said Sports has always been a unifying tool in Nigeria and the continent at large. He further said Sports contributes to the economic growth of Nigeria.
He however commended the first lady and Comptroller General of the Customs Service for their efforts.
The NSC Chairman urged the athletes to compete favourably having in mind that they are role models to the upcoming generation.
Award presentation was later done by the Comptroller General of Customs and NSC Chairman, Shehu Dikko; Nigeria Olympics Committee President, Engr. Habu Gumel; DIrector General of the NSC, Bukola Olopade, and the CAVB President, Bouchra Hajij were awarded. CAVB also reciprocated by honouring the Comptroller General of Customs for his efforts in ensuring that the event came to fruition.
The opening ceremony climaxed with the match between Nigeria Customs Service Women and Maya Kane Evolution of Botswana.
