In today’s age of screens and growing isolation, the Lekki Volleyball Club (LVC) shows that sport still has the power to unite people, transform communities, and create lasting impact.
Founded in 2017 by Kenechukwu Okafor, an economist with a lifelong passion for sports, LVC has evolved into more than just a club. It is a hub for talent, mental well-being, and economic empowerment.
Okafor recalls how his vision was born out of his youthful engagement with athletics. Though he never pursued a professional sporting career, his time with the Imo State Sports Council left him convinced of Nigeria’s untapped potential. “I saw so much talent and passion, but it was often a lone effort,” he says. “I knew that with the right community and structure, we could build not only athletes but empowered individuals.”
That conviction laid the foundation for LVC, a space where people of all ages come together to train, compete, and connect. The journey wasn’t easy—funding, facilities, and stakeholder interests often posed challenges—but the determination of members kept the vision alive.
A Movement Takes Shape
Registered officially in 2019 as a non-profit sports organisation, LVC has steadily gained recognition and corporate sponsorships. National and global brands such as Malta Guinness, Nestlé, MTN, Red Bull, and TravelBeta have supported its mission, alongside local businesses that see value in its growing influence. With more than 150 registered members across multiple countries, the club has awarded millions in cash prizes to athletes, reinforcing its commitment to empowerment.
But LVC’s impact goes far beyond sport. Practice sessions double as informal networking events, attracting professionals from diverse industries. The club’s slogan, “cruise and volleyball”, captures its inclusive atmosphere, where people not only play but also build friendships and forge opportunities.
For many, the club is also a therapeutic sanctuary. Longtime member Thelma Ogun recalls joining at a difficult point in her life: “Now, five-plus years down the line, it has morphed into being part of a community that wholly supports one another. The physical activity and camaraderie have been powerful for my mental health.”
Stories of Growth and Support
The LVC community has produced remarkable stories. When Guinness World Record breaker Theresa Emegwara prepared for her historic attempt, the club rallied behind her, offering encouragement and visibility. Similarly, Kehinde Olatunji, who once stepped up as a DJ for the club’s social events, honed his skills there and has since become a professional DJ in Canada.
“When one of us pursues a dream, we all stand behind them,” Okafor says proudly.
Expanding the Vision
LVC has also established itself through landmark events such as the Thunder Games, which draw hundreds of players and thousands of spectators annually. The games not only showcase grassroots talent but also create direct business opportunities for local vendors, fueling broader economic development.
Looking to the future, the club has launched a grassroots training academy for children aged 10–17. The programme develops fundamental skills while instilling discipline and teamwork, ensuring a new generation of Nigerian volleyball talent.
Okafor’s dream is for LVC to become a leading hub of talent and opportunity, and a model for how sports can be used to rebuild communities and foster unity. “Through sports, Nigeria can reclaim its place on the global map,” he says. “Not just by winning games, but by nurturing talent, inspiring unity, and showcasing resilience.”
The story of Lekki Volleyball Club proves that one idea, powered by passion, can spark a movement that transforms lives.
