ABIA SHINES AS EXCELSIOR VOLLEYBALL CLUB CLINCHES THIRD PLACE IN NATIONAL DIVISION ONE WOMEN’S LEAGUE

…as Commissioner Nwobilor Ananaba Says Tournament Boosted Local Economy, Showcases Abia’s Safety Under Governor Alex Otti

Umuahia, the capital city of Abia State, came alive on Saturday as the 2025 National Division One and Two Nigerian Volleyball League came to an exciting close at the Umuahia Township Stadium, marking a memorable moment in Nigeria’s sporting calendar.

The championship, which brought together top volleyball teams from across the six geo-political zones of the country, ended with Abia’s very own Excelsior Volleyball Club earning a well-deserved 3rd position in the Division One Women’s category, a feat that drew applause from sports lovers across the state.

In the other categories, Light Volleyball Club of Abuja clinched the top spot in the Division Two Men’s event, while VIP Volleyball Club, also from Abuja, emerged champions in the Division One Women’s category. The Defence Spiker Volleyball Club took home the gold medal in the Division One Men’s category.

Bayelsa Volleyball Club finished 2nd in Division Two Men, while Rhino Volleyball Club of Plateau State claimed the 3rd position. In the Division One Women’s category, Fire Service Volleyball Club secured 2nd place, and in Division One Men, Ajase Ipo Volleyball Club came 2nd with Lifecamp Volleyball Club taking 3rd.

Speaking at the end of the thrilling tournament, the Abia State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Sir Nwobilor Ananaba, expressed satisfaction with the successful hosting of the national league, describing it as a clear testament to Abia’s peaceful and secure environment under the leadership of Governor Alex Otti.

According to the Commissioner, the hosting of the volleyball league and other major sporting competitions in Abia underscores the state’s readiness to embrace national and international events. He further commended Governor Otti for creating the enabling environment that made the event possible.

Sir Ananaba also emphasized the economic ripple effects of the competition, noting that the influx of visitors and participants provided a significant boost to the local economy.

“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,” Sir Ananaba stated.

He pointed out that beyond economic benefits, the championship served as a vital tool for youth engagement and crime reduction, explaining that involving young people in sports helps divert their attention from social vices and fosters discipline, teamwork, and productivity.

Also speaking, the President of the Nigerian Volleyball Federation (NVBF), Musa Nimrod, represented by the 2nd Vice President of the Federation, Mr. Adamu Tanimu, praised the Abia State Government for successfully hosting the prestigious event.

Describing the tournament as a “resounding success,” Nimrod applauded the state’s hospitality and conducive environment, highlighting that the competition, which drew teams from across Nigeria including Sokoto, Ekiti, Bayelsa, and Katsina, had proven a crucial point.

“It is time to prove one big thing, that Abia State is an environment where it is safe and beautiful to play national sports.

“We have fully confirmed that Abia State is one of those states that you can properly engage yourself in sporting activities in the country,” he stated.

In his remarks, the Director of Sports in Abia State, Comrade Obioma George, described the competition as “competitive, tight, and tough,” noting that the event lived up to expectations in every respect. He expressed optimism that the Nigerian Volleyball League would return to Abia next year, given the state’s outstanding hosting capacity and the enthusiasm displayed by the fans.

The week-long tournament showcased the exceptional talents of Nigerian volleyball players, as teams battled fiercely for supremacy in both the Division One and Division Two categories across the male and female divisions.

The successful hosting of the national volleyball league once again positioned Abia State as a fast-rising hub for sports development in Nigeria, reflecting Governor Alex Otti’s administration’s commitment to youth empowerment, tourism, and g rassroots sports revitalization.