By Aderonke Ojo
The Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF) has taken a significant step towards environmental sustainability by donating tree saplings to all 35 male and female teams that participated in the recently concluded Chief of Defence Staff National Volleyball League Division 1 and 2 – Phase 1 in Abuja.
The donation, made by NVBF President Musa Nimrod, on Monday at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, with stakeholders during the closing ceremony of the first phase of the tournament at the outdoor volleyball court.
According to him, the FIVB (Fédération Internationale de Volleyball) and CAVB (Confédération Africaine de Volleyball) are promoting environmental sustainability by encouraging Division I and II players to plant trees in their communities.
He said that the aims to promote climate action and reduce the impact of climate change in Nigeria.
Nimrod said the initiative goes beyond organizing volleyball matches.
“ It’s about empowering athletes and teams with knowledge and responsibility to contribute to environmental preservation.
“ The federation is encouraging teams to plant the trees in meaningful spaces, such as around volleyball courts or within their communities, to promote reforestation and environmental restoration.
“ We are encouraging them to take this message of environmental responsibility back to their homes, communities, and training grounds. Each team has received a tree sapling.
“ They are not just trees; they symbolize growth, sustainability, and long-term impact,” he said.
Nimrod highlighted the devastating effects of climate change, citing unexpected heavy rainfall that disrupted Division II matches played outdoors.
He emphasized the need for the volleyball community to take action and contribute to reducing the impact of climate change,” he said.
The initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s nationwide tree-planting campaign.
Nimrod praised the government’s efforts and encouraged the teams to key into the initiative by promoting environmental sustainability and climate action.
He said that donating tree saplings to 35 Division 1 & 2 teams, the federation is promoting environmental sustainability and climate action in Nigeria’s sports community,” he said .
Nimrod noted that the recently concluded under 18 Beach Volleyball in Jabi ,You could see the scenery. Those trees are still there.
“ The palm trees and everything. And everybody was enjoying it. Why don’t you do the same
thing and continue doing the same thing of tree planting,” he said.
The tree saplings are young trees that have just begun to grow from seedlings.
“They are an essential part of reforestation and afforestation efforts, helping to restore and expand forests, promote biodiversity, and mitigate climate change.
“This trees help purify the air, absorb carbon dioxide, and produce oxygen and also help regulate the climate by providing shade, cooling the air through evapotranspiration, and blocking winds,” he said.
The 2025 National Division 1 and 2 Volleyball League is organized by the NVBF in collaboration with the Chief of Defence Staff.
The tournament is tagged ‘Chief of Defence Staff National Volleyball League,’ which remains one of Nigeria’s most prestigious volleyball competitions.
A total of 35 clubs participated , featuring male and female teams from across the country.Which started on August 12, and ended today at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja
By involving players in this initiative, the FIVB and CAVB are fostering a sense of responsibility and environmental stewardship among athletes and fans alike.
The FIVB and CAVB are using their platform to educate players and fans about the importance of environmental conservation.
Previous Donations,NVBF President Nimrod, donated technical equipment to enhance training and performance at the state level, fostering volleyball growth nationwide.
Donation of 300 balls to the six geo-political zones to address ball scarcity in local government areas of each state.
NVBF donated tree saplings ,this aligning with Vision 2030 economic blueprint and global climate action efforts.