By Aderonke Ojo
The Chairman of Nigeria Park Volleyball, Major General Taritimiye Gagariga (Rtd), has expressed satisfaction with the growth of volleyball in Nigeria, particularly in the grassroots level
He said this during the closing ceremony of the first phase of the tournament at the outdoor volleyball court at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.
According to him, about 90% of the teams participating in the Division 1 and 2 leagues emerged from the Invitational Challenges, a grassroots program initiated by his organization.
“I am very satisfied to see that about 90% of the teams participating in the Division 1 and 2 leagues emerged from our grassroots program.
“ This is a testament to the success of our Invitational Challenges in identifying and developing young talent in volleyball,” he said.
The Invitational Challenges, which started in 2017 in Kachia, have been instrumental in identifying and developing young talent in volleyball.
The program has held about 11 challenges, with teams from various parts of the country participating.
He noted that all the teams participating in the current Division 1 and 2 leagues were part of the Invitational Challenges, with Division 2 teams specifically participating in the 2025 Yenagawa Invitational Challenge.
“ The growth of volleyball in Nigeria is a testament to the success of the grassroots program.
“ Emphasized that the program’s aim is to upgrade and upscale teams, especially in terms of team cohesion and consistency, to enable them to participate in senior leagues,” he said.
He expressed satisfaction with the progress made so far, noting that his efforts in promoting volleyball at the grassroots level have been recognized.
35 male and female teams participated in the recently concluded Chief of Defence Staff National Volleyball League Division 1 and 2 – Phase 1 in Abuja. Which started on August 12, and August 18 at both indoors and outdoors courts.