Abia State has received glowing commendations from the Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF) for the successful hosting of the 2025 National Division I and II Volleyball League Finals.
President of the NVBF, Mr Musa Nimrod, gave the commendation on Saturday during the closing ceremony of the tournament, describing the event as “a resounding success” and a strong testament to Abia’s growing reputation as a safe and welcoming destination for national sporting events.
Represented by the NVBF’s Second Vice President, Mr Adamu Tanimu, Nimrod lauded the conducive atmosphere provided by the Abia State Government and expressed appreciation to the Governor, Dr Alex Otti for his administration’s support towards sports development.
NVBF President, Mr Musa Nimrod represented by Mr Adamu Tanimu
“It is time to prove one big thing, that Abia State is an environment where it is safe and beautiful to play national sports.
“It has been a huge success; you can see everybody is happy, especially with the ambient environment provided by the Governor of Abia State.
“We have fully confirmed that Abia is one of those states where you can properly engage in sporting activities in the country”, he said.
Mr Nimrod described the tournament as “a great task” and an important step in the development of volleyball nationwide, noting that sports continue to play a significant role in global diplomacy and politics.
“This league is very important to the development of volleyball in the country, which is fast becoming an important sport, considering how sports have become important in the politics of the world today.
“I want to send this message to the whole country that the NVBF is doing everything possible to make Nigeria proud in the international arena so that Nigeria stands firm and counted.
NVBF President, Mr Musa Nimrod represented by Mr Adamu Tanimu and Abia State Container commissioner for sports, Mr Nwaobilor Ananaba
“This is just the beginning, and we pray for the wherewithal and wisdom to sustain this particular project”, he said.
The NVBF President noted that the Federation was eager to sustain its collaboration with Abia State for even larger sporting events, including the elite Volleyball Premier League.
“We have the Premier League, which is at a higher level than this. So we are at all times ready to partner with Abia State to host such events,” he assured.
In his remarks, Abia State Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Mr Nwobilor Ananaba, attributed the successful hosting of the competition to the unwavering support of Governor Alex Otti.
Abia State commissioner for Sports and Youth Development Sir Nwaobilor Ananaba
He noted that beyond promoting sports, the event had boosted the local economy through increased patronage of hotels, restaurants, and transport services.
“The volleyball league has significantly boosted the local economy, as participants’ spending on hotels, restaurants, and transportation has provided a substantial stimulus to local businesses,” Ananaba stated.
He further stressed that hosting national tournaments in Abia has reinforced the State’s reputation for safety while creating opportunities for youth engagement and crime prevention.
Also speaking, the Director of Sports in Abia State, Mr Obioma George, described the competition as “competitive, tight, and tough,” and expressed optimism that the volleyball league would return to Umuahia next year.
The 2025 National Division I and II Volleyball League Finals featured clubs from all six geo-political zones of Nigeria, competing in both male and female categories with Abuja-based teams emerging dominant across several categories.
In the Division Two Men’s category, Light Volleyball Club of Abuja clinched the championship title, followed by Bayelsa Volleyball Club in second place and Rhino Volleyball Club of Plateau State in third.
The Division One Women’s title went to VIP Volleyball Club, another Abuja-based team, while the Fire Service Volleyball Club placed second and Abia’s Excelsior Volleyball Club secured third position.
NVBF Hails Abia’s Successful Hosting of 2025 National Volleyball League Finals
In the Division One Men’s category, Defence Spiker Volleyball Club from Abuja emerged champions, Ajase Ipo Volleyball Club finished second, while Lifecamp Volleyball Club came third.
