Basketball

North East Zone Not Interested In Ministry Of Sports Activities – Abba Kaka

Published

4 years ago

May 26, 2022

The North East Basketball Association has expressed its support for the NBBF stand and statement issued on May 25, 2022, calling on all basketball stakeholders and players to boycott all Federal Ministry of Youth And Sports organized basketball jamborees called games or tournaments or any similar activities due to pulling the game out of international tournaments by the Ministry.

” It is obvious to us all that the Ministry of Sports and the Minister are being remotely controlled by enemies of the game. Otherwise, how do you explain the fact that the ministry can make a U-turn to its own press statement of September 30, 2021?
“Were they clearly stated that there is only one NBBF Constitution of 2019, vetted and approved by both the ministry, NOC, and FIBA. That the NBBF should proceed with the election and any other issues of the amendment should be done in line with the Constitution and after the Election.

“It simply does not make sense other than greed and selfishness over national interest. How can you pull out the only game that brought fame and glory to Nigeria in the last 4 years? Both Men and Women’s national teams qualified for the World Cup at the same time, a first on record for Nigeria.

“We categorically condemn this in the strongest terms. This ill-informed and not well thought out decision by the Minister. We are calling on all players and stakeholders to be calm and patient as we are working hard to make sure that decision is reversed immediately.

“To our ladies who have already qualified for the World Cup, we say, your efforts will not be in vain. Most states in Nigeria have already said they will not participate in the ministry activities and the North East cannot be left behind. That is why the Ministry is putting pressure on the zonal offices to draft and register any team or player who wants to play in the jamboree.

“When we came on board 4 years ago, basketball was at ground zero. We worked hard to turn around the game. For example, Borno State featured and qualified for the first time in the national championship in the past 16 Years. Both Taraba and Adamawa (both Men and Women Teams), qualified twice both at Division 2 and Zenith league played in Abuja and Lagos. While Yobe consistently maintained their division one spot and came 3rd at the National Championship in Lagos.
” How can any Minister Say there is no grassroots games in Nigeria.? Or Sponsors? Sunday Dare, forgot that both Zenith Bank and Total Energies are big corporate sponsors of the game.

In fact, the Minister was at Eko Le Meridien Hotel where he himself unveil the Total Division 2 N150m sponsorship deal for 5 years. All the Above happened when Tijjani Umar, who was the ex-NBBF president finished his 8-year disastrous tenure and collected $2.2 Million dollars from the Econet of South Africa for a domestic kwese league. Money that was not deposited in the NBBF account nor returned to the sponsor.

“For us in the North-East zone, such a betrayal from someone in the same zone can never be forgotten or forgiven as our youth were left in distress and at the mercy of Boko Haram to recruit them. The same hard work and dedication by the NBBF under the leadership of Eng. Ahmadu Musa Kida led both the men’s and women’s national teams to become the best in Africa and qualified for the World Cup at the same time (the first time Record for Nigeria) and the Olympics.

“The women won back to back to back(3 times another record) for Nigeria. Our record and that of the President of NBBF speaks volume. Who had to advance his own money when government money was not available to succeed. ( Only half of his money was Refunded to date.) We stand with the NBBF and the President Eng. Kida and Constitution and Statutes of the FIBA.

“We are calling on the President Muhammadu Buhari, who is a lover of sports to remove this minister without any delay as he is out to rubbish his achievements in sports and tanish the image of Nigiria as we are already a laughing stoke in the world of Sports by this stupid decision to pull out Nigeria for 2 years from international Basketball,” Abba Kaka, the North East Zonal Representative on the NBBF board stated.

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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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