Basketball

10 Students Get Scholarships At Yusuf Yakubu’s Basketball Tourney

Published

5 years ago

January 18, 2021

Joel Ajayi

No fewer than 10 students outstanding participants were given scholarships to study and play basketball in the United States of America (USA) and Nigeria this season at the end of the Yusuf Yakubu All American Basketball Tournament and Camp for Girls.

Two boys and three girls were given the United States of America Scholarship as the 3 boys and 2 girls also received scholarships to study in Nigeria.

The basketball tournament which was organized by the Mentoring All Nations Globally Foundation (MANGO INC) saw over 200 boys in the competition tagged Mango basketball clinic while over 350 for the girl child empowerment basketball clinic held at the KadaKings Basketball Courts Ungwan Sunday In Kaduna state recently.

According to the Founder of the MANGO Foundation Yusuf Yakubu, while speaking on the foundation annual camp, Yakubu says his foundation would continue to collaborate with schools in the United States of America to expose more Nigerian talents to get the scholarship from American colleges and also go on to play in the money-spinning America Basketball Association (NBA) league.

“My aim as the founder is to empower kids through MANGO INC Foundation with scholarships to study both in Nigeria and overseas, in conducive academic classrooms, provide good water for the community, empower girl child through sports, academic focus, the mental breakdown on how successful every girl child can be, help the girl in boosting their self-esteem, be able to provide the necessary provision for widows and widowers all around the globe not just in Nigeria,” he said.

The Elizabeth City State University student, Yakubu who is among the National Collegiate Athletic Association(NCAA) commended his coach Shawn Walker for his continuous support to his basketball career.

“Let me also using this medium to appreciate my coach Shawn Walker for all the support and encouragement he has given me in my career so far which has helped me to become a better person worthy of giving back to the society”.

Yakubu also went further to call on corporate organizations and individuals to partner with the foundation to provide educational opportunities for more Nigerian youths while commending those who supported the 2020 edition.

“I want to say a very big thank you to all the sponsors that contributed to the success of this year’s edition which is Noah kavah, Sabo Suya lounge, Micah Autos, YBO underwears, IBEJI, DOMINION CITY CHURCH Houston Texas, Pickup USA, Kehinde Balogun Houston Texas, feed your game basketball organization, Justice Jude Dagat, Guild of the Global intellectuals, masquerade lounge. Basketball venue facilities: KADA KINGs of Kaduna state through the chairman Distinguished Mr. Ahmed Tijani, May Allah reward you richly Amin”.

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Basketball

Nigeria @ 65: Igoche Mark Pays Homage to Nigerian Athletes for Contributions

Published

5 days ago

October 1, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

As Nigeria marks its 65th Independence anniversary on Wednesday October 1, Basketball Promoter and Initiator of Mark D’ Ball Basketball Championship, Mr. Igoche Mark, has commended the country’s athletes for their outstanding contributions.

In a heartfelt message, Mr. Mark praised active and retired athletes for consistently putting Nigeria on the global map through their dedication, hard work, and achievements. “Your dedication, hard work, and achievements have not only brought us pride but have also inspired a generation of Nigerians,” he stated.

The Sports Administrator urged the National Sports Commission to establish a platform to celebrate these athletes and recognize their invaluable contributions to Nigerian sports. He emphasized the need to honour their legacy and provide a framework for their continued involvement in sports after retirement.

To support athletes in transition, Mr. Mark recommended that “retirement plans be implemented to ensure a seamless transition into life after sports. This would enable athletes to plan for their future and maximize their post-athletic careers.”

Furthermore, he proposed a welfare package for retired athletes, including access to healthcare, education, and economic empowerment programs. “By doing so, we can show our appreciation for their service and ensure that they are taken care of,” Mr. Mark added.

As Nigeria celebrates its 65th Independence anniversary on October 1, with the theme “Nigeria @ 65: All Hands on Deck for a Greater Nation,” Mr. Mark’s sentiments echo the sentiments of many Nigerians who believe in the importance of recognizing and supporting the country’s athletes.

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