Patrick Kelechi, Lagos
DAILY COURIER – In a bid to promote sports, engage youth, and elevate Nigeria’s global sports reputation, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has partnered with the National Sports Commission (NSC) to host the prestigious African Volleyball Inter-Club Women’s Championship in Abuja.
The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, announced the partnership during a courtesy visit to the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, on Monday, January 27, 2025. The event underscores the Customs Service’s commitment to leveraging sports as a tool for national unity, youth empowerment, and international recognition.
The championship, scheduled to take place from April 1 to 14, 2025, will feature the best women’s volleyball teams from across Africa. The CGC revealed that the Customs Service had secured hosting rights from the Nigeria Olympic Committee and would work closely with the Nigerian Volleyball Federation to organize the tournament.
“Our goal is to use this championship to showcase Nigeria’s leadership in sports and foster opportunities for young athletes to thrive,” CGC Adeniyi said. “With tested and accomplished professionals at the helm of sports development, we are confident that the glory days of Nigerian sports are returning.”
The CGC emphasized the Customs Service’s readiness to deliver a world-class event that will reflect Nigeria’s growing stature in sports while fostering partnerships with key stakeholders to make the tournament a success.
Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Malam Shehu Dikko, commended CGC Adeniyi’s vision, describing the initiative as a milestone in boosting Nigeria’s image and inspiring youth participation in sports.
“This championship is more than just a sporting event; it is a platform to inspire young Nigerians and showcase our organizational capabilities on a global stage. Sports remain a unifying force, and we are committed to ensuring that this event reflects the best of Nigeria,” Dikko stated.
He pledged the Commission’s full support, including access to facilities, technical expertise, and logistical assistance, to ensure the success of the championship.
Engr. Habu Gumel, President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, praised the innovative leadership of CGC Adeniyi and reaffirmed his commitment to making the tournament a benchmark for future sporting events.
“This partnership highlights the importance of deliberate preparation to ensure the success of international tournaments. The championship will serve as a springboard for hosting more global events in Nigeria, and we are fully committed to providing the necessary support,” Gumel said.
The African Volleyball Inter-Club Women’s Championship promises to be a landmark event, not only for the participating teams but also for Nigeria as it demonstrates its capacity to host international tournaments. The collaboration between the Nigeria Customs Service, the National Sports Commission, and the Nigeria Olympic Committee is expected to inspire a new generation of athletes and cement Nigeria’s position as a leader in African sports.
This partnership reinforces the role of sports in fostering unity, driving youth development, and promoting national pride, with April 2025 set to be a defining moment for volleyball in Nigeria and across Africa.
