By Aderonke Ojo
The Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi,has demonstrated his commitment to sports development in Nigeria by providing a subsidy of N24 million to support volleyball.
The CGC’s commitment to sports development in Nigeria is evident in his sponsorship of the Premier League last year, which brought joy to volleyballers nationwide.
The first phase of the second edition of the CGC Nigeria Volleyball Premiership League officially serves off today, Saturday, at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja at 8.am .
A total of 24 teams — 12 male and 12 female — will battle for supremacy in the prestigious tournament, which has quickly become a highlight on Nigeria’s volleyball calendar.
The high-stakes tournament will run from September 19 to October 2, showcasing the best of Nigerian volleyball in a two-week contest for national supremacy.
Speaking at a pre-tournament press conference held Friday, key stakeholders from the Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF) and Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) outlined plans for what is expected to be the most competitive and financially rewarding edition.
The NCS Director of Sports, Samuel Onikeku, who represented the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, pledged an improved edition of the league.
“It is with great joy that I represent the Comptroller General today. His commitment to sports development in Nigeria is unwavering,” Onikeku said.
“Last year, he sponsored the Premier League to put smiles on the faces of volleyballers. This year, he has taken it a step higher to encourage and support the game.”
The championship saw significant prize winnings, with the winner prize raised from 3 million to receiving 5 million naira.
This year, the CGC has increased support for volleyball, raising team subsidies from 300,000 to 500,000 naira each and player subsidies to 500,000 naira each.
Highlighting the CGC’s contributions, Onikeku noted that the championship saw significant prize winnings, with the winner receiving 5 million naira.
This year, the CGC has increased support for volleyball, raising team subsidies from 300,000 to 500,000 naira each and player subsidies to 500,000 naira each.
In total, ₦24 million has been set aside for subsidies in this first phase alone, with the same support guaranteed for the final phase of the tournament.
Last season, the champions walked away with ₦5 million, while the runners-up and third-place finishers earned ₦3 million and ₦2 million respectively.
Teams ranked from 4th to 12th received ₦500,000 each— a structure that will continue with enhanced bonuses.
He recalled that under Adeniyi’s leadership, Nigeria successfully hosted the African Clubs Championship for the first time, attracting top clubs from across the continent and reaffirming Nigeria’s capacity to host major international events.
“As we begin this year’s championship, we pray for an injury-free tournament and look forward to smooth proceedings.
“ We believe the players will be motivated with the improved incentives, and at the end, new champions — or defending champions — will emerge to the delight of fans.
“ Anticipation of more incentives during the competition,”Onikeku added.
On her part, Nkechi Nzogwu, Chairman of the League Management Committee and Second Vice President of the NVBF said expectations are high for this year’s edition.
“ This year’s Premier League is going to be unique and very exciting. We sincerely appreciate the Comptroller-General of Customs for sustaining his sponsorship.
He supported us last year and has repeated it again to put smiles on the faces of our players,”she said.
She also praised NVBF President, Engineer Musa Nimrod, for his visionary leadership and efforts in elevating Nigerian volleyball, particularly in beach volleyball where Nigerian teams have earned international recognition.
This initiative demonstrates his dedication to promoting sports in Nigeria. We are grateful for his support and look forward to a successful championship.
Defending champions will look to retain their crown while fresh contenders seek to make their mark. With financial incentives and national pride on the line, fans can expect two weeks of thrilling, high-energy volleyball action.
Dignitaries in attendance at the press briefing included Professor Ebenezer Morakinyo (NVBF Board Member), Martin Melandi (Technical Director), Prince Tunde Omisore (Board Member), and Wosilat Abbas (Secretary General).