Basketball

Together, let’s grow Nigeria through sports- Kida charges Nigerians in New year message

Published

4 years ago

January 1, 2022

President of Nigeria Basketball Federation, Engr. Ahmadu Musa Kida, has charged Nigerians home and diaspora to utilize the powers of sports to further help develop the country’s socio-economic strengths by gainfully engaging and empowering the teeming youth in sporting activities.

This was contained in his New Year goodwill message released Saturday, January 1, 2022, in Lagos. According to Kida, Nigeria is immensely gifted in all ramifications, therefore, there should be concerted efforts by all Nigerians to improve the fortunes of the country, using sports as a tool.

Kida, who is seeking reelection for another four-year term as president of NBBF, recapped the outstanding feats achieved in basketball during his outgoing tenure. It included the records as the first African country to qualify both male and female national teams for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic games. And also becoming the first African nation to defeat basketball world powers, USA and Argentina in games leading to the Olympic games, as well as, winning three consecutive Afrobasketball championships by D’Tigress, amongst many other remarkable feats.

Kida, who until recently, was the Deputy Managing Director, Deep Waters section of TotalEnergies, noted that the natural strength and resilience of the average Nigerian at all times, particularly, as these times of global socio-economic turbulence occasioned by Covid-19, should be commended.

He further admonished corporate and well placed Nigerians to support the government in the efforts to gainfully engage the millions of talented but restive youths in sports.

He added that the last four years of his NBBF board and its impressive strides, and of course, the newly found enviable status of basketball in Nigeria have shown that Nigeria can achieve greatness in all aspects of human endeavours.

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Basketball

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

Published

7 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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