Basketball
Grinders Basketball Foundation Empowers Over 50 Student-Athletes in Abuja’s “Back to School” Program
Joel Ajay
The Grinders Basketball Foundation successfully empowered over 50 student-athletes through its “Back to School” program, held over the weekend in Abuja.
This event marked the 7th edition of the initiative, which provided recipients from primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions with cash donations, exercise books, school bags, and other educational materials.
During the event, the Chairman of the Foundation, Umar Abdullahi, represented by the Provost, Aliu Omeiza, emphasized the program’s mission to bring joy to student-athletes in need. He assured attendees that the Grinders Foundation is committed to expanding its efforts in the upcoming 8th edition.
“The foundation is made up of basketball veterans dedicated to putting smiles on the faces of athletes in primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions who may require assistance, whether it be for school fees or academic materials such as books and school bags. This is something we have been doing for the past seven years, and we will continue to do so. We are promising a better and bigger event next year,” Omeiza stated.
Regarding the selection criteria for recipients, Alhassan Joseph Enbago, the Public Relations Officer of the Grinders Foundation, explained the foundation’s approach.
“The criteria for selection of the recipients involve referrals from individuals who know an athlete in need of assistance. Some recipients are selected by us directly. We conduct follow-ups to ensure that the resources provided are utilized effectively. Beyond what you see here today, we continue to assist them from time to time,” Enbago noted.
The recipients expressed their gratitude to the Foundation for its generous support.
Basketball
Over ₦5 Million Up for Grabs as 2025 Sam Oguche/Bullet Energy Drink Skills Challenge Kicks Off November 14
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 14th to 15th 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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