- Says new president’s track record in talent discovery and grassroots development will advance Nigerian basketball
Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has congratulated Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi on his election as President of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), expressing confidence that he will advance the development of the sport nationwide.
In a press statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Ismaila Isah, on Friday, Governor Ododo said he was delighted by Dr. Mustapha’s emergence.
Dr. Mustapha, Director General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), secured 40 of the 48 votes cast to win the election.
The governor noted that Dr. Mustapha, who hails from Kogi State and chairs the Kogi State Basketball Association, has supported grassroots basketball development through the annual DAM Foundation Basketball Championship. Over the past few years, the tournament has given young players opportunities to compete and develop their skills into “world beaters.”
Governor Ododo described the new NBBF president as an astute administrator with experience in managing human resources, and said he would bring that experience to bear on the development of the game in Nigeria.
He pointed to the recent exploits of the men’s national team, D’Tigers, and the women’s team, D’Tigress, both of which have recorded notable championship performances in African and international competitions. He said these achievements provide a solid foundation for Dr. Mustapha to build upon, given his track record in talent discovery, extensive network, international exposure and linkages.
The governor also restated his administration’s commitment to channelling the energy of young people in the state into productive ventures by creating more opportunities for the youth to excel in sports. He cited local competitions as well as national and international platforms, including the DAM Foundation Basketball Championship, which holds in Okene and has continued to attract thousands of sports enthusiasts and visitors to Kogi State.
Governor Ododo wished Dr. Mustapha a successful tenure and expressed hope that his leadership would sustain the growth and development of basketball in Nigeria.
