By Pius Ayinor
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated the Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, Mustapha Abdullahi, on his election as President of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF). The president described his emergence as an opportunity to reposition basketball development in the country.
The President charged Abdullahi to deploy his leadership experience and administrative expertise towards strengthening the federation, improving its management and creating greater opportunities for young Nigerian basketball talents.
In a statement issued on Friday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu expressed confidence that the new leadership could advance the development of Nigeria basketball through improved administration, effective talent discovery and sustained investment in athletes.
He urged the new NBBF president to prioritise the welfare of players, strengthen grassroots basketball development and ensure that athletes receive adequate attention and opportunities to realise their potential.
The President also called on stakeholders in Nigerian basketball, including players, coaches, administrators, sponsors and supporters, to close ranks and support the new leadership in building a more competitive and professionally managed federation.
The President believes that achieving sustainable progress in the sport “requires collective commitment, institutional stability and a deliberate strategy for discovering and nurturing emerging talents across the country.
“The new NBBF leadership should emphasise the improvement of the welfare of athletes, effective talent identification and the promotion of both men’s and women’s basketball as essential pillars for the sustained growth of the sport,” Tinubu said.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to recognising sports as a critical instrument for youth empowerment, national integration and the promotion of Nigeria’s image internationally.
“I wish the new NBBF Boss a successful tenure and assure him of the Federal Government’s continued recognition of sports as an important platform for youth empowerment, national unity and international engagement.”
Photo: Mustapha Abdullahi
