Basketball
AUDA-NEPAD Continental CEO Visits Nigeria, Seeks Stronger Collaboration and Renewed Support

The Chief Executive Officer of the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD), Ms. Nardos Bekele-Thomas, paid a working visit to the AUDA-NEPAD Nigeria office in Abuja, where she was warmly received by the National Coordinator/CEO, Hon. Jabiru Salisu Abdullahi, and senior management of the Agency.
During the visit, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening synergy between the continental and national structures of AUDA-NEPAD to accelerate the implementation of Agenda 2063 and Nigeria’s National Programme of Action (NPoA). Ms. Bekele-Thomas commended Nigeria’s contributions to regional development and called for enhanced cooperation to achieve tangible, people-centered outcomes.
In her remarks, she made a passionate plea to the Nigerian government to resume its statutory contributions to the AUDA, stressing that such funding is critical to sustaining key development interventions, including agriculture, governance, youth empowerment, and continental peer review mechanisms.
Hon. Jabiru Salisu Abdullahi assured the Continental CEO of Nigeria’s continued dedication to AUDA-NEPAD priorities and emphasized the Agency’s recent milestones, including the successful disbursement of grants to smallholder farmers and expanded capacity-building efforts for staff and stakeholders.
The visit marks a renewed chapter of engagement, with both sides expressing optimism for deeper collaboration and more impactful development delivery across Nigeria and the continent.##
Basketball
Nigeria @ 65: Igoche Mark Pays Homage to Nigerian Athletes for Contributions

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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