Tgnews
In a bold step toward environmental sustainability, the Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVF), under the leadership of its President, Engineer Musa Nimrod, has donated tree saplings to all 35 male and female teams that participated in the recently concluded Chief of Defence Staff National Volleyball League Division 1 and 2 – Phase 1.
The symbolic tree presentation took place at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, where fans enjoyed a week of intense competition, vibrant entertainment, and a showcase of volleyball talent from across the nation.
This green reduction initiative aligns with the global shift toward integrating environmental consciousness into sports development. Similar sustainability efforts have been embraced by major international sports bodies such as FIFA, the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Confederation the African Volleyball (CAVB), and the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) — proving that sport is a powerful platform for climate advocacy.
This exercise is not just about playing volleyball. It’s about connecting the sport to climate action
Speaking during the ceremony, NVF President Engineer Musa Nimrod highlighted the importance of the initiative as part of the Federation’s contribution to environmental preservation.
“This exercise is not just about playing volleyball. It’s about connecting the sport to climate action.
“We’ve seen firsthand how climate change is already affecting our sporting events. For instance, during the Division II matches played outdoors, unexpected heavy rainfall disrupted play. Flooding was widespread, making outdoor games increasingly challenging.”
He emphasized that the NVF’s objective goes beyond organizing matches — it is about empowering athletes and teams with knowledge and responsibility.
We’ve seen firsthand how climate change is already affecting our sporting events
“We are not just asking our players to compete — we are encouraging them to take this message of environmental responsibility back to their homes, communities, and training grounds,” Nimrod continued. “Each team has received a tree sapling. These are not just trees — they symbolize growth, sustainability, and long-term impact.”
He urged teams to plant the trees in meaningful spaces, such as around volleyball courts or within their communities, to contribute to reforestation and environmental restoration.
“We encourage planting economic trees — those that provide shade, fruits, and long-term value,” he added. “Let’s bring back the culture of sitting under trees, relaxing, and benefiting from nature. Deforestation and rapid urban development are exposing our environment to more risks. We must act.”
We encourage planting economic trees — those that provide shade, fruits, and long-term value
Nimrod also praised the Federal Government of Nigeria’s ongoing nationwide tree-planting campaign, adding that the NVF is fully aligned with the initiative and committed to replicating it across all volleyball events in the country.
“Wherever you see a volleyball court, let there also be trees,” he concluded. “Let’s follow the example of countries like Japan, where volleyball facilities are surrounded by greenery, offering a beautiful and healthy environment for sports.”
The gesture was widely applauded by coaches, players, and stakeholders who recognized the Federation’s holistic approach — using sport as a tool for both development and climate education.
The Chief of Defence Staff National Volleyball League remains one of Nigeria’s most prestigious volleyball competitions, featuring male and female teams from across the country.
However, the 2025 Phase 1 edition brought together top-tier clubs, emerging talent, and thousands of fans — reflecting the growing popularity of volleyball in Nigeria.
It’s really quite interesting and wonderful. Volleyball in Nigeria has clearly evolved
As the 2025 National Volleyball League Division 1 and 2 (Phase 4) concluded, stakeholders reflected on the remarkable strides volleyball has made in Nigeria.
Among them was Commodore James Aliyu Pindar (Rtd), Chairman of the FCT Volleyball Association, who commended the Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVF) for its sustained efforts in transforming the game.
Speaking with Journalists on Monday in Abuja during the NVF’s donation of shade trees to 35 volleyball clubs in the league, as part of the Federation’s contribution to environmental preservation. Pindar described the current phase as a milestone in the sport’s development.
“It’s really quite interesting and wonderful. Volleyball in Nigeria has clearly evolved,” he said. “This fourth phase has been particularly impressive. After years of low participation, we are now seeing strong teams from across the country competing in both Division 1 and Division 2.”
He lauded the Defence Headquarters for sponsoring the phase and praised the NVF for driving grassroots and national growth.
“We had over 30 teams from 33 club sides, including several from the FCT. This is a far cry from past editions where the numbers were much lower. The Nigeria Volleyball Federation deserves our full support and commendation,” he added.
Looking ahead to the forthcoming NVF elections, Pindar confirmed his intention to contest, unveiling plans to revive volleyball in the North Central zone if elected.
“As Chairman of FCT Volleyball, I’ve served two terms and overseen significant growth. Now, I want to replicate that success across the North Central zone where volleyball activity remains minimal,” he said.
Pindar expressed concern over the region’s poor representation in national competitions, noting that most teams are government-sponsored while private clubs and grassroots talent remain underrepresented.
“Why can’t we have North Central teams across all categories — U15, U17, U19, and senior levels? We must build a strong base that combines both government and private initiatives to ensure sustainability,” he stressed.
He pledged to introduce “a solid new dimension” to volleyball administration in the region, promising year-round activities and inclusivity across all states.
“It’s time for a volleyball revival in the North Central. We must break the current limitations and inject energy into the sport at every level,” he concluded.
The 2025 Chief of Defence Staff National Volleyball League has been lauded as a showcase of emerging talent and growing interest in the sport — a sign that Nigerian volleyball is on a strong upward trajectory
