The Nigerian National Volleyball Federation Division One and Two Championship phase two hosted by Governor Alex Otti has ended in Umuahia with the Nigerian Airforce (NAF) team, Defence Spikers emerging winner of the male category of the competition.
Also , Team Delta won the female category of the volleyball competition.
The volleyball tournament which recorded participants from 19 States of the federation featured presentation of trophies and attracted government officials among other dignitaries.
Speaking at the grand finale of the competition held at the indoor hall of Umuahia township stadium, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Nwaobilor Ananaba commended the spirit of sportsmanship the athletes exhibited.
The Commissioner commended the winners for their hard work and the discipline they demonstrated in the competition as well as thanked every team that participated in the game.
He equally expressed the excitement of Abia State Government in hosting the tournament and congratulated the athletes and officials on their success.
“Every team that participated in this tournament is a winner . You have shown courage. In doing so you have contributed to the growth of Volleyball in our country.
“We are very excited here in Abia State. What His Excellency Dr. Alex Chioma Otti is doing in sports has prompted everyone in the country to be coming here for hosting of events.
“We just finished the National Volleyball Federation , Division one and Division two.
“We are happy, we are excited. Abia team didn’t do very well as you know we don’t have a good team but next year we promise you that Abia volleyball will feature a team that is formidable and win us some medals.
“We must recognize the unwavering support of Dr. Alex Chioma Otti. Governor Otti has been a true champion of sports, always finding ways to elevate sports development in the state and beyond”, Ananaba stated.
In his speech, the President, Volleyball Federation of Nigeria, Engr. Musa Nimrod said he is pleased with Governor Alex Otti who provided a conducive environment for the competition, saying that based on the cooperation of the state, he envisage a repeat of the tournament in Abia.
He urged Governors of the South East to engage the youths with sports, saying that it will minimize criminal tendencies and youth restiveness.
“Let’s put more resources into sports. Just imagine these young players, look at what they have just achieved. They may have been in criminality but they are here now. We thank God for them.”
He thanked Governor Otti for his support, stating that, “In all these 12 days that the players have been here we have not had any insecurity issue. We appreciate that. Thank you very much for all the enablement. We want to continue partnership with Abia State”.
Contributing, the Abia State Director of Sports , Comrade Obioma George assured that the state is going to contribute favourably by next year.
He noted that before now, Abia State female volleyball team ruled the country , saying that they are going to bounce back, especially with the support received from Governor Alex Otti. He said the Governor has given the Sports Council all that they need to fit in in the league next year.
Speaking to news men , the Head Coach of NAF Volleyball team, Master Warrant Officer, Yakubu Solomon expressed his joy over their victory , stressing that the last time they lifted a trophy was in 2003. He thanked Governor Alex Otti for hosting the event.
