Basketball

I Remain Strongly Committed To Growth Of Basketball In Nigeria – Engr. Kida

Published

4 years ago

January 10, 2022

As the basketball community in Nigeria earnestly look forward to the forthcoming elections into a new board of the Nigeria Basketball Federation, one of the major stakeholders in the game has reiterated his stance and commitment to the continued growth of basketball in Nigeria.

Speaking with journalists in Lagos, the outgoing president of NBBF, Engr. Ahmadu Musa Kida stated that the present enviable status of basketball in Nigeria is enough motivation for him and any other genuinely concerned stakeholder to ensure that the upward surge of the game in the country, is not derailed.

According to him, I’m happy and glad that in the last four years of my tenure as NBBF president, the game of basketball has become the cynosure of all eyes, and of course, for all the good reasons you can think of,” Kida posited.

“The achievements of my board and our impressive scorecards are testimony of the passionate, selfless, and dedicated efforts of the board to ensure Nigeria become a global force in the game,” Kida added.

The highly regarded sports administrator and philanthropist, has continued to receive the love and appreciation of basketball lovers and indeed, the general public for spending billions of naira of his personal funds to sponsor both male and female national basketball teams to continental and global championships.

” It’s true and a public fact that on several occasions, I have had to deep into my personal funds to sponsor our national teams to participate in several championships, and to the glory of God and benefits of the country, it has helped us achieve so much in the last four years of my board,” he remarked.

Kida, who recently retired as Deputy Managing Director of Deep Waters Sector of TotalEnergies, further disclosed that he is seeking re-election as the president of NBBF for another four years, which he believes would help him and his board consolidates and improve its drives to take basketball to utopian heights.

” My seeking re-election as NBBF President is beyond personal ambitions. It is a bid to further improve and develop the game in the country.

“The last four years of my board has equally proved that with concerted and selfless efforts, Nigeria can dominate and rule the basketball world. Imagine that the recent feats of our male and female national teams have given us the temerity to give football, a good run for its money as the country’s number one sport,” the multiple awards winning basketball boss, concluded gleefully.

Share on Facebook

Basketball

Nigeria @ 65: Igoche Mark Pays Homage to Nigerian Athletes for Contributions

Published

1 week ago

October 1, 2025

The Gleamer

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.

Share on Facebook