Soludo Boosts Sports Development With National Volleyball Referee, Coaching Training In Anambra

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By Marvelous Ezenwa

As part of efforts to enhance sports in the South East, the Anambra State Sports Commission, in collaboration with the Nigeria Volleyball Referees Association and Coaches, has launched a 10-day National Grade 3 course to train top-tier volleyball referees and coaches. This initiative, approved by Governor Chukwuma Soludo, CFR, aligns with the state’s broader mission to promote sports excellence and nurture talent across various sporting disciplines.

The training course, which kicked off on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, at Archbishop A.K. Obieduna Retreat Center in Nodu Okpuno, Awka, is set to provide comprehensive training in both beach volleyball and traditional volleyball. With over 25 participants, Anambra State leads with the highest number of attendees, while participants from Maiduguri and Gombe are also present, showcasing the national reach of the program.

Chief Jerry Onyemachi, a national referee and coordinator of volleyball for the South East, expressed his satisfaction with the initiative. He highlighted that this is one of the best training programs he has witnessed, crediting the Anambra State Sports Development Commission and Governor Soludo for their commitment to sports. However, he voiced his concerns about the underdevelopment of volleyball in the South East, noting the absence of representatives from Abia, Imo, and Ebonyi states in the ongoing course.

“I commend Governor Soludo for his support in ensuring that such a high-caliber training is happening here in Anambra. This is the type of initiative we need to develop referees and coaches across the South East,” Onyemachi said. He urged the sports directors and commissioners of other southeastern states to follow Anambra’s lead by organizing similar training courses to boost the growth of volleyball and other sports in the region.

International referee Mohammed Mohammed, who is overseeing the training, emphasized the need for southeastern states to seize this opportunity. He praised Anambra’s commitment to the sport and highlighted how northern states have consistently produced top-tier volleyball referees due to sustained interest and investment.

Patrick Estate Onyedum, Chairman of the Anambra State Sports Commission, reinforced the governor’s commitment to sports development, stating, “This training is part of the governor’s broader initiative to revive and develop sports in the state. We are dedicated to supporting his vision and ensuring that other sports, beyond football, receive the attention they deserve.”

Mr. Olu Sule, the sports commission consultant, also reiterated the state’s plans to revitalize neglected sports, promising that the commission will continue to align with Governor Soludo’s sports development agenda.

With this initiative, Governor Soludo’s administration is not only nurturing local talent but also positioning Anambra as a hub for sporting excellence in Nigeria, paving the way for future national and international success in volleyball.