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, Pindar who is also an aspirant in the upcoming Nigeria Volleyball Federation election 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 on the NVBF board, 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.
