Basketball

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

Published

4 hours ago

October 1, 2025

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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Basketball

Grinders Basketball Foundation Empowers Over 50 Student-Athletes in Abuja’s “Back to School” Program

Published

3 weeks ago

September 7, 2025

The Gleamer

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.

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