Sports

Why We’re Introducing Young Players to Volleyball for Empowerment and a Brighter Future – Pindar

Published

4 months ago

August 6, 2025

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.

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Sports

Niger Delta Games Organisers Mourn Senator Ewhrudjakpo, Condole Bayelsa Govt

Published

18 hours ago

December 18, 2025

The Gleamer

Organisers of the Niger Delta Games, Dunamis-Icon, have commiserated with the government and people of Bayelsa State on the demise of the Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.

In a condolence message signed by the Managing Consultant, Sir Itiako Ikpokpo KSM, and physically delivered by its Project Director, Mr Fred Edoreh, through the State Commissioner for Sports, Hon Daniel Igali, at the Yenogoa Sports complex on Wednesday, December 17, Ikpokpo stated that the demise of the Deputy Governor is not only a loss to his immediate family and the government of Bayelsa State, but to the Niger Delta and nationwide sports.

“We are well aware of his contributions to nation building, not only as a former Senator and Deputy Governor, but also as a notable figure in the development and promotion of sports in the Niger Delta region and at the national level,” Ikpokpo stated.

“His passage is therefore a huge loss, not only to the government and people of Bayelsa State, but also to the sports family, nationwide.

“As Project Consultants of the Niger Delta Games, the management and staff of Dunamis-Icon Limited share in your grief and wish to convey our heartfelt condolences to you and all Bayelsans.

“We pray that God grant you the fortitude to bear this great loss.”

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