The president of Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), Engineer Ahmadu Musa Kida has described the upcoming maiden regional championship sponsored by South-East representative, Ugo Udezue, as a venture that aligns with the body’s vision.
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Sports247 reports that Kida further commended Udezue for facilitating the South-East basketball tournament and for his efforts in facilitating construction of a court named after Honourable Richard Idike in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State.
Kida described the development as a practical example of how private individuals and stakeholders can contribute to the growth of sports in Nigeria, particularly at the grassroots level.
The competition, which is scheduled to hold from this Friday to Sunday at Ebonyi Shopping Mall, will bring together teams from Enugu, Imo, Anambra and Abia States to play alongside the hosts’ contingent.
A major side attraction during the competition will be commissioning of the newly constructed basketball court, which Kida stressed is a huge effort worth emulating by other personalities and corporate bodies in the country.
He added that sustainable sports development cannot be achieved with government efforts alone, but corporate organisations, philanthropists and private stakeholders have roles to play in expanding infrastructure and creating opportunities for talents.
“This is a commendable initiative that aligns perfectly with the vision of Nigeria Basketball Federation to deepen grassroots development across the country. This demonstrates what can be achieved when stakeholders take ownership of sports.
“We need more private sector participation and corporate partnerships to unlock the enormous potential that exists among our youths. Initiatives as this provide platforms for talent discovery, youth engagement and community development.
“Through our partnership with the National Institute for Sports, talented players discovered during the competition will be given the opportunity to be trained and nurtured. Our goal is to develop them into future national team players,” Kida posited.
