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

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

Published

1 week 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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