Basketball

Sports Minister Commends Air Warrior Chairman On Basketball Development Initiative

Published

6 years ago

February 21, 2020

The Gleamer

… Sponsor two Players to Tokyo Olympic

…I will spend my last kobo to supports Basketball -Air Warrior Chairman

Joel Ajayi

The Minister of Youth and Sports Development Mr. Sunday Dare has applauded the Chairman Air Warrior Basketball team of Abuja a private individual not by government committing his resources for the development of the sport in the country.

The elated Minister promised that the ministry will sponsor two of the players to the 2020 Olympic Tokyo Japan to watch team Nigeria playing as well introduce them to Olympic scholarship fund that will help to support their education.

It will be recalled that 14 athletes home-based and Europe based have been adopted by private individuals and corporations.

He gave this commendation in Abuja on Friday when he received the 2019 basketball national league champion in his office.

Minister reiterated that his administration’s interest in grassroots and youth football development which he insists is the way to go in order to achieve success in football and other sports in the country.

According to him, I very excited today, I am happy to receive the two of them have made it to the national team; this team is full of hung talent.

“The story is very compelling, this is their first time they will be in National league and they came out unbeaten, no team has ever broken that record that is hugely commendable.

“And also their narrative, supported by a private individual, not the government not the sports ministry that says a lot that private sector can play a keep role developing our sports, develops talents and also nurturing the athletes.

“On this point, we are going to make sure that NBBF works closely with them, we are going to support them to remain a strong team. We intend to take two of them to the Olympic to watch team Nigeria playing.

“As for the fine from FIBA Africa fined for the inability of the team to travel for the continental event, we are working closely with NBBF, it’s already settled the matter, the fine will be paid.

“For our sports to develop in the country, we need several AbudulMajid (Air Warrior Chairman) The ministry will sponsor an exhibition match, we are going to write a team in Africa to play you in Abuja or Lagos and we put it in TV for people to celebrate you.

On his own, the chairman of the Air Warrior Basketball Team Alhaji Solademi AbudulMajid thanked Minister for the gesture saying that the gesture will go a long way to even boost player’s morale

“It’s not easy, but with determination and focus everything will be good, at a time I asked myself why am I doing this? We are Nigeria championed, we couldn’t go to continental and we also received fine but the Minister visit has changed the narrative so that even if it’s my last Kobo, I will put it on this team and supports the people on the street.”

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Basketball

Over ₦5 Million Up for Grabs as 2025 Sam Oguche/Bullet Energy Drink Skills Challenge Kicks Off November 14

Published

3 weeks ago

November 7, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

Over the years, the Sam Oguche/Bullet Energy Drink Basketball Tournament has become a major grassroots platform impacting the lives of young Nigerians. Many talented youths have realized their dreams through this initiative, which continues to inspire and empower communities across the country.

Building on these successes, this year’s edition slated for 14^th to 15^th of November in Abuja promises to be even bigger, featuring over 5,000 young participants who will compete in various exciting categories.

The event will feature over 5,000 national dancers across the country; 24 Young basketballers will be selected to play an important all-star Game and other impactful event.

The MO Basketball Arena in Zone 5 part of FCT is expected to come alive with creativity, energy, and skill when the 2025 edition, tagged Sam Oguche/Bullet Energy Drink Basketball Skills Challenge, tips off. Winners across different categories will share a total prize of over ₦5 million, making it one of the most anticipated sporting and entertainment events of the year.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Friday, the convener, Samuel Oguche, expressed his appreciation to the media and partners for their continued support.

“First of all, we just want to appreciate everyone for being here with us today and for giving us this opportunity once again. This isn’t our first time partnering with you, and as always, Bullet Energy Drink has continued to stand firmly behind basketball Nigeria’s second most popular sport. For the past 10 years, Bullet has consistently supported the growth and promotion of the game,” Oguche said.

He added that the 2025 edition will bring a new level of excitement, combining sports and entertainment in a way never seen before.

“For the first time ever in Abuja, we’re hosting a National Dance Battle something truly unique and unprecedented.

“Dancers from across the country will converge in the city to compete for supremacy and a grand prize of ₦5 million. Alongside that, we’ll host an All-Star Basketball Game, featuring the best 24 players from Abuja and its environs on Saturday, November 15th.

“We’re also introducing something completely new to Nigeria a Basketball Skills Challenge, inspired by the NBA and global sports traditions. We’re proud to be the first brand to bring this kind of experience to Nigerian basketball. This event is all about innovation, excitement, and celebrating talent,” he said.

In his remarks, the representative of Bullet Energy Drink, Mr. Benedict Okoye, reaffirmed the brand’s commitment to supporting the development of sports and entertainment in Nigeria.

“We are truly delighted to be part of this initiative once again. Bullet has proudly supported basketball for the past 10 years, and it’s been an incredible journey watching the sport grow rapidly across the country,” Okoye said.

He noted that adding dance to the event was a strategic move to expand the impact of the brand’s engagement with youth and creativity.

“Dance is a universal language that everyone enjoys and connects with. We want to explore new horizons and creatively blend the beverage industry with dance and sports, not just in Nigeria but as a model that can inspire similar collaborations globally.

“Moving forward, we’re confident that this initiative will be a success and when it does, we’ll do even more. Our goal is to continue supporting Nigeria’s entertainment and creative community — whether through sports, dance, music, or other cultural expressions.

“We’re proud to play our part in creating opportunities and providing platforms that keep entertainment alive and thriving in Nigeria,” he added.

This year’s edition promises to be a celebration of talent, creativity, and youthful energy, reaffirming Bullet Energy Drink’s place as a leading supporter of grassroots sports and entertainment development in Nigeria.

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