Basketball

Igoche Mark Welcomes New Sports Minister, Advises on Pitfalls to Avoid

Published

2 years ago

August 20, 2023

Joel Ajayi

Amidst the criticism gripping the appointment of Senator John Owan Enoh as the Minister of Sports Development, Mr. Igoche Mark, a Basketball Promoter has advised Sports Lovers in Nigeria to tone down their hash criticism over his appointment to superintend the Sports Ministry.

Mark’s advice was contained in a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja.While welcoming the New Game Master General into office, he encouraged him to toe the path of justice, fairness, equity and uphold the rule of law.

“Dear Distinguished Senator, I welcome you to your new assignment, assigned to you by Mr.President.Your appointment and deployment to the Sports Ministry can be described as timely and divine, following the mess rocking the sector.

“Your legislative background puts you at an advantage,which will in turn tackle the convulsive nature being experienced in Nigerian Sports at moment.When this is done, Nigeria will definitely return to its place in global sports map.

“No doubt, the task before you is enormous, but if you toe path of justice, fairness, equity and uphold the rule of law ; the sliperry paths experienced by your predecessors will be far from you.

“As a partner, we will continue to support you in your quest to reposition sports in Nigeria.

“Finally, I will appeal to all Sports Lovers to tone down their criticisms on the new Sports Minister, as he possesses the required knowledge to administer sports alongside other experienced Career Sports Administrators working in the Ministry.”Mark Statement reads.

Senator John Owan Enoh is an entrepreneurial and philanthropic politician appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR. He replaces Sunday Dare as the 36th Minister of Sports.

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Basketball

Bauchi FA Chairman Patrick Pascal Honoured at Be Happy Basketball Tournament

Published

2 months ago

January 21, 2025

The Gleamer

Bauchi State Football Association Chairman, Patrick Pascal, was honored at the recently concluded Be Happy Basketball Tournament in Bauchi. The annual event, sponsored by former basketball international Danjuma Maijama’a Wunti, brought together over 13 basketball teams from across Nigeria for a week of exciting competition.

The 2025 edition of the tournament saw Suns Basketball Academy of Jos emerge as champions, clinching the top prize of ₦500,000. Adamawa Stars of Yola finished second, while Mak-Town Flyers of Makurdi claimed third place, earning ₦200,000 for their efforts.

Several standout players received individual accolades:

•   Most Valuable Player (MVP): Rayyan Salis (Suns Basketball Academy, Jos).
•   Most Improved Player: Modupe Lawrence (Mak-Town Flyers, Makurdi).
•   Best Defensive Player: Thomas Abo (Mak-Town Flyers, Makurdi).
•   Highest Scorer: Rayyan Salis (Suns Basketball Academy).
•   Best 3-Point Shooter: Solomon Iliya (Be Happy Stars, Bauchi).

Teams from across Nigeria took part, including Maktown Flyers (Makurdi), Joe Geez (Jos), Adamawa Stars (Yola), Gamji (Maiduguri), Elite Basketball Club (Takum), Suns Basketball Academy (Jos), Abba Gida Gida (Kano), Katsina United (Katsina), D Block Basketball Club (Kaduna), Yankari Kings (Bauchi), The Cubs Basketball Club (Bauchi), and Be Happy Stars (Bauchi).

Speaking on his recognition, Patrick Pascal expressed gratitude to the tournament sponsor, Danjuma Maijama’a Wunti, for his commitment to youth empowerment and development through sports. He praised the players for their remarkable display of skill and teamwork throughout the competition, highlighting the event’s importance in fostering talent and unity.

The Be Happy Basketball Tournament continues to grow in stature as a major platform for discovering and nurturing basketball talent across Nigeria.

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