Sports
Why We’re Introducing Young Players to Volleyball for Empowerment and a Brighter Future – Pindar
Joel Ajayi
Chairman of the FCT Volleyball Association Commodore James Aliyu Pindar (RTD) has reaffirmed his commitment to discovering young talents and creating job opportunities through volleyball across the Federal Capital Territory and beyond.
Speaking during the ongoing 2025 CAVB U-18 Beach Volleyball Continental Cup in Abuja, Pinder—who is also an aspirant in the upcoming Nigeria Volleyball Federation elections—emphasized that volleyball is not only a sport but a platform for youth empowerment and career development.
“My goal is to expose more young players, create job opportunities, and prove that volleyball can be a viable career path,” he said. “We’ve made significant progress in the FCT, and I want to replicate that success across the entire North Central zone.”
Pindar, expressed confidence in the region’s potential to excel in the sport at national and international levels.
“We’re even considering setting up a dedicated North Central team to participate in national leagues and possibly the African Club Championship. We have the talent; what we need now is coordination and support,” he added.
He revealed that the FCT Volleyball Association is already planning to host an end-of-year beach volleyball tournament, which he described as a key part of efforts to grow the sport at the grassroots level.
“Every club in the FCT will be encouraged to have a beach volleyball team. That’s why we’ve brought in younger players today—many of them students on holiday—to get them involved early,” he said.
Pindar also highlighted previous initiatives under his leadership, such as the CNS Program, which helped secure employment for talented players, allowing them to build sustainable careers through volleyball.”
He reiterated his inclusive approach to talent development, noting that his focus is strictly on ability and potential, not background.
“I don’t discriminate based on state, religion, or ethnicity. What matters to me is a player’s talent and willingness to grow. I will always support such individuals, no matter where they’re from.”
With these initiatives, Pindar hopes to transform the volleyball landscape in the FCT and the entire North Central zone, using sport as a vehicle for youth development, unity, and employment.
Sports
PremiumTrust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon Earns World Athletics Label
Nigeria’s foremost Sports Company, Nilayo Sports Management Limited (NSML) has announced the second edition of the PremiumTrust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon, set to light up Nigeria’s capital city on Saturday, December 6, 2025.
With the theme “Steady Strides,” this year’s race captures the measured rhythm and determined pace that define world-class long-distance running, a reflection of the steady progress and ambitious vision shaping the marathon’s evolution into a global platinum-labelled event.
In a historic milestone for Nigerian sports, the PremiumTrust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon has been officially awarded the prestigious World Athletics Label for its second edition, a distinction achieved in record time. This remarkable feat makes it the first marathon globally to earn the label so swiftly, underscoring both the organizational excellence of NSML and the dynamic rise of PremiumTrust Bank, currently celebrated as Nigeria’s fastest-growing commercial bank.
The 2025 edition is expected to attract elite international athletes, top local runners, and marathon enthusiasts from around the world, alongside officials from World Athletics who will oversee the competition.
Speaking on the announcement, Managing Director of Nilayo Sports Management Limited, Yetunde Olopade, expressed excitement about the unique partnership with PremiumTrust Bank.
“This second edition is fundamentally unique because it represents the first-ever true super-partnership on such a dynamic sports property in our nation and arguably, globally. PremiumTrust Bank is not just a sponsor but the sole partner anchoring the establishment, organization, and consolidation of a global marathon in Nigeria’s capital city.
” We are proud and grateful for the bank’s visionary leadership, which not only recognized the immense potential of the first edition but is now single-handedly driving the race toward international acclaim.”
Managing Director of PremiumTrust Bank, Dr. Emmanuel Efe Emefienim (CON) emphasized the shared values underpinning the partnership.
“PremiumTrust Bank is built on the philosophy of rapid, impactful, and sustainable growth, and the theme of this year’s marathon perfectly reflects our operational ethos.”
“Attaining World Athletics Label status in just the second year validates that our investment is yielding world-class outcomes. We are deeply proud to be the sole partner building this monumental legacy, reinforcing our commitment to sports development, community wellbeing, excellence, and platforms where champions are made.”
The PremiumTrust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon 2025 promises to be a spectacular celebration of endurance, athleticism, and community spirit, further strengthening Abuja’s status on the global racing calendar.
Registration for participants is currently open as it promises to be another marathon spectacle on the 6th of December 2025.
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