Sports

Abdullahi Begins NBBF Tenure with Promise of Renewed Growt

Published

3 weeks ago

October 15, 2026

By Joel Ajayi

Dr Mustapha Abdullahi has pledged a new era of growth, unity and institutional reforms in Nigerian basketball following his election as President of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) in Abuja on Thursday.

Abdullahi, President of the DAM Foundation and Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, secured 40 of the 48 votes cast at the elective congress held at the International Conference Centre (ICC), defeating former D’Tigers captain Olumide Oyedeji, who polled eight votes, while former international Ejike Ugboaja received none.

Former presidential aspirant Igoche Mark had withdrawn from the race on Wednesday, citing concerns over the fairness and credibility of the electoral process.

Abdullahi succeeds outgoing president Musa Kida, while Ugo Udezue emerged as vice-president unopposed, having been the sole candidate for the position.

In his acceptance speech, the new NBBF president described his election as an opportunity to reposition Nigerian basketball through strategic leadership, administrative reforms and sustainable development.

He expressed gratitude to the delegates who supported his candidacy, stressing that his victory belonged to players, coaches, officials and young Nigerians who aspire to build careers through basketball.

Recalling his early days in the sport, Abdullahi said his personal experiences, including playing without proper footwear and overcoming financial difficulties, had strengthened his determination to create better opportunities for upcoming players.

He emphasised that talent alone could not guarantee success without proper structures, institutional support and deliberate investment in the game.

“My presidency will mark a decisive departure from business as usual. We cannot keep doing things the same way and expect a different result,” he said.

Abdullahi identified grassroots development, stronger domestic leagues, players’ welfare, improved facilities and investment in coaches and referees as priorities of his administration.

He also promised to advance women’s basketball and strengthen the national teams, including D’Tigers, D’Tigress and the youth sides, while ensuring that basketball provides pathways to education, employment and entrepreneurship.

The new president further pledged to promote transparency, accountability and unity within the federation, calling on state associations, clubs and other stakeholders to support the reform agenda.

He said his administration would pursue partnerships with corporate organisations, private investors, international basketball institutions and Nigerians in the diaspora to make the sport commercially sustainable.

Abdullahi added that his administration would soon unveil a comprehensive implementation blueprint detailing its programmes, measurable targets and strategies for achieving sustainable progress.

He extended an olive branch to those who supported other candidates, insisting that the election should mark the beginning of collective efforts to move Nigerian basketball forward.

“The election is over; the work begins now. There will be no division in our pursuit of progress, no place for complacency, and no retreat from accountability,” he said.

Abdullahi stressed that his administration would be judged by its achievements, the institutions it strengthens and the opportunities it creates, expressing confidence that unity and collaboration would help Nigerian basketball realise its potential.

Share on Facebook

Sports

Nigeria Targets Grassroots Sports Revival as Tinubu’s Aide Adeboye Unveils National Sports Grassroots Summit

Published

16 hours ago

November 5, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Grassroots Sports Development, Adeboye Adeyinka, has called for a comprehensive overhaul of grassroots sports development in Nigeria, urging stakeholders to prioritise youth empowerment, education and national development alongside medals and trophies.

Adeyinka stated this on Thursday in Abuja during a press conference while announcing the 2026 National Grassroots Sports Summit, scheduled for November 18 and 19 at the Banquet Hall of the State House, Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The summit, with the theme, “Creating a New Pathway for Sustainable Grassroots Sports Development,” is expected to bring together government officials, sports administrators, state and local government representatives, private-sector investors, development partners, coaches, athletes and other stakeholders.

The presidential aide stressed that sports development must be measured not only by international achievements but also by the number of young Nigerians whose lives are positively transformed through participation in sports.

He noted that while sporting excellence could lead some athletes to Olympic medals and World Cup glory, sports also offered millions of young people opportunities for education, personal development, employment and social inclusion.

“Sometimes, when we discuss sports development, we speak about stadiums, trophies, medals and international competitions.

“But I want us to remember that at the heart of every sporting achievement is a human being,” Adeyinka said.

He explained that participation in sports could help young Nigerians secure university scholarships, develop discipline, build confidence, acquire life skills and stay away from negative influences.

According to him, sports should be recognised as an important instrument for building character, strengthening communities and creating opportunities for young people, irrespective of their backgrounds.

On talent identification, Adeyinka expressed concern that Nigeria continues to lose potential sporting talents because many children lack access to adequate facilities, qualified coaches, encouragement and organised talent-discovery programmes.

He emphasised the need for an inclusive grassroots sports system that would provide equal opportunities for children in rural communities, public schools, underserved areas and different socioeconomic backgrounds.

The presidential aide maintained that a child’s sporting prospects should not be determined by geographical location, family background or connections to influential individuals.

He warned that without a coordinated approach to identifying and nurturing young talents, the country could continue to miss opportunities to discover future champions.

Adeyinka said the forthcoming summit was designed to develop a sustainable national framework for identifying, nurturing and supporting sporting talents across the 774 local government areas.

He added that the gathering would seek practical solutions to the challenges affecting grassroots sports administration rather than focus solely on speeches and ceremonial activities.

A major objective, he explained, was to move away from fragmented talent-discovery initiatives towards a coordinated national structure connecting school and community competitions with clubs, national competitions and international sporting opportunities.

The two-day summit will deliberate on five key areas: sports participation, talent development, infrastructure, the sports economy and international pathways.

Adeyinka expressed optimism that the recommendations from the summit would provide a roadmap for strengthening grassroots sports development, expanding youth participation and positioning sports as a viable contributor to Nigeria’s economic and social development.

He called on relevant stakeholders to support the initiative and work collectively towards building a sustainable grassroots sports system capable of identifying and developing talents across the country.

Share on Facebook