Ododo Hails Abdullahi’s Emergence as NBBF President

From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja

Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Ododo has congratulated Dr Mustapha Abdullahi on his emergence as President of the Nigeria Basketball Federation, describing his victory as a significant opportunity to advance basketball development in Nigeria.

Abdullahi, the Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, emerged as the head of the country’s basketball governing body following Thursday’s elective congress held in Abuja.

Ugo Udezue was elected Vice-President.

Governor Ododo in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media, ISmaila Isah and made available to Newsmen on Friday, said he was delighted by the emergence of Dr. Mustapha as the NBBF President and expressed confidence in his ability to advance the development of the game of basketball in Nigeria.

Governor Ododo said Dr. Mustapha, who is the Chairman of the Kogi State Basketball Association had supported grassroots basketball development through the annual DAM Foundation Basketball Championship, which provides young players with opportunities to compete and develop their skills into world beaters in the last few years.

He described Dr. Mustapha who hails from Kogi state as an astute administrator with experience in managing human resources, expressing confidence that he would bring his wealth of experience to bear on the development of basketball in the country.

The governor cited recent exploits of Nigeria’s men’s basketball team, D’Tigers, and the women’s team, D’Tigress, who had recorded notable championship performances in African and international competitions as a good foundation for the new NBBF President to build upon given his track record in talent discovery, extensive network and international exposure and linkages.

He restated the commitment of his administration to channel the energy of young people in the state into productive ventures by creating more opportunities for the youth to excel in sports through local competitions as well as national and international platforms like the annual DAM Foundation Basketball Championship which holds in Okene and has continued to attract thousands of sports enthusiasts and visitors to Kogi state.

He wished Dr. Mustapha a successful tenure and expressed hope that his leadership would sustain the growth and development of the game of basketball in Nigeria.

Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi, Director General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), secured 40 of the 48 votes cast to emerge as the NBBF president.

Similarly, in a congratulatory statement signed by the acting Chairman of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) Kogi State Chapter, Odimayo Fredrick, expressed confidence in Abdullahi’s capacity to provide purposeful leadership and reposition Nigerian basketball for greater achievements.

The association noted that his emergence reflected an opportunity to strengthen the administration of the sport, expand grassroots participation and create more opportunities for young talents to excel.

Odimayo said Abdullahi’s experience, commitment and contributions to sports development would be valuable assets in advancing basketball in Nigeria.

“On behalf of the entire Kogi SWAN family, we give thanks to Almighty God for the emergence of one of our own, Dr Mustapha Abdullahi, as President of the Nigeria Basketball Federation.

“His wealth of experience in the sports industry speaks volumes, and we are optimistic that his emergence will take the game to greater heights. We are confident that his leadership will open a new chapter of growth, progress and renewed opportunities for Nigerian basketball”

The SWAN chairman also commended Abdullahi for his courage, resilience, determination and perseverance throughout the electioneering process, noting that his eventual emergence reflected his commitment to leading the federation.

He urged the new NBBF leadership to prioritise grassroots development, investment in sporting infrastructure and improved welfare for players, coaches and other stakeholders.

“Basketball has enormous potential to engage our young people, discover exceptional talents and project Nigeria positively on the international stage. We believe the new administration has an opportunity to build a sustainable system that will benefit players and stakeholders across the country,” Odimayo added.

The association further expressed optimism that Abdullahi’s administration would create an enabling environment for emerging talents, strengthen domestic competitions and improve Nigeria’s competitiveness at continental and international levels.

It also pledged the support of the Kogi SWAN family for the new NBBF president, expressing confidence that collaboration between sports administrators, government institutions, athletes and the media would contribute to the growth of the game.

“We in Kogi SWAN are solidly behind you as you take on this responsibility. We encourage you to remain focused on the task ahead and work towards taking Nigerian basketball to an enviable height. Once again, congratulations,” the statement added.

SWAN Kogi wished Abdullahi and his executive team a successful tenure, urging them to pursue policies that would promote accountability, inclusiveness and sustainable development while placing the collective interests of Nigerian basketball at the forefront of their administration.
Ends.