By Lanre Oloyede
The Nigeria ParaVolley Federation (NPVF) has reaffirmed its commitment to repositioning para volleyball across the country in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which promotes sports as a tool for empowerment and economic development.
The commitment was reiterated during a stakeholders’ meeting of the Federation’s South-West Zone held at the Sitting Volleyball Court, Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.
The President of the Federation, Hon. Mohammed Abba Isa, who is also the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, was represented at the meeting by the Federation’s Technical Director, Mr. Christian Agoawuike.
The meeting formed part of the new Executive Board’s nationwide engagement aimed at repositioning the South-West and other geopolitical zones for sustainable growth and improved performance in para volleyball.
According to the Federation, the engagement was designed to communicate the board’s vision to players, coaches, referees and other stakeholders, reconcile aggrieved parties following the 3rd National Para Games held in Abuja, foster unity between the NPVF national team and Invictus Team Nigeria, identify areas for partnerships and sponsorship, and develop a comprehensive database of athletes, coaches, referees and support personnel in the zone.
As part of the programme, Invictus Team Nigeria defeated the South-West Zone team 2-1 in a friendly match organised to strengthen cooperation, promote sportsmanship and enhance civil-military relations.
Participants at the meeting included the South-West Zonal Representative, Technical Representative, Players’ Representative, male and female athletes, referees, coaches, support staff and officials of the Federation.
Addressing stakeholders through his representative, Hon. Abba Isa called on all members of the para volleyball community to work together towards the advancement of the sport in Nigeria.
He assured athletes and officials that the new board would prioritise their welfare while implementing programmes focused on athletes’ personal development, team promotion and qualification for major international competitions, particularly the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games.
The Federation President also disclosed plans to establish new male and female national teams, expand the sport to states where para volleyball is yet to gain a foothold, and attract strategic partners and sponsors to support the Federation’s activities.
In separate remarks, representatives of the players, coaches and referees pledged their unwavering support and loyalty to the new leadership, while appealing to the board to ensure greater inclusiveness in decision-making.
Responding on behalf of the President, Technical Director Christian Agoawuike assured stakeholders that their concerns and recommendations would be conveyed to the Executive Board for necessary action.
A major highlight of the meeting was the resolution of the dispute involving some players, the Head Coach and the management of the Lagos State Sports Commission. Following deliberations, the matter was amicably settled, with the affected players directed to submit formal letters of apology to the Lagos State Sports Commission.
The meeting concluded with prayers offered by both Christian and Muslim athletes, symbolising unity and renewed commitment to the development of para volleyball in Nigeria.
