Basketball

Sports Minister Commends Air Warrior Chairman On Basketball Development Initiative

Published

5 years ago

February 21, 2020

The Gleamer

… Sponsor two Players to Tokyo Olympic

…I will spend my last kobo to supports Basketball -Air Warrior Chairman

Joel Ajayi

The Minister of Youth and Sports Development Mr. Sunday Dare has applauded the Chairman Air Warrior Basketball team of Abuja a private individual not by government committing his resources for the development of the sport in the country.

The elated Minister promised that the ministry will sponsor two of the players to the 2020 Olympic Tokyo Japan to watch team Nigeria playing as well introduce them to Olympic scholarship fund that will help to support their education.

It will be recalled that 14 athletes home-based and Europe based have been adopted by private individuals and corporations.

He gave this commendation in Abuja on Friday when he received the 2019 basketball national league champion in his office.

Minister reiterated that his administration’s interest in grassroots and youth football development which he insists is the way to go in order to achieve success in football and other sports in the country.

According to him, I very excited today, I am happy to receive the two of them have made it to the national team; this team is full of hung talent.

“The story is very compelling, this is their first time they will be in National league and they came out unbeaten, no team has ever broken that record that is hugely commendable.

“And also their narrative, supported by a private individual, not the government not the sports ministry that says a lot that private sector can play a keep role developing our sports, develops talents and also nurturing the athletes.

“On this point, we are going to make sure that NBBF works closely with them, we are going to support them to remain a strong team. We intend to take two of them to the Olympic to watch team Nigeria playing.

“As for the fine from FIBA Africa fined for the inability of the team to travel for the continental event, we are working closely with NBBF, it’s already settled the matter, the fine will be paid.

“For our sports to develop in the country, we need several AbudulMajid (Air Warrior Chairman) The ministry will sponsor an exhibition match, we are going to write a team in Africa to play you in Abuja or Lagos and we put it in TV for people to celebrate you.

On his own, the chairman of the Air Warrior Basketball Team Alhaji Solademi AbudulMajid thanked Minister for the gesture saying that the gesture will go a long way to even boost player’s morale

“It’s not easy, but with determination and focus everything will be good, at a time I asked myself why am I doing this? We are Nigeria championed, we couldn’t go to continental and we also received fine but the Minister visit has changed the narrative so that even if it’s my last Kobo, I will put it on this team and supports the people on the street.”

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Basketball

Bauchi FA Chairman Patrick Pascal Honoured at Be Happy Basketball Tournament

Published

2 months ago

January 21, 2025

The Gleamer

Bauchi State Football Association Chairman, Patrick Pascal, was honored at the recently concluded Be Happy Basketball Tournament in Bauchi. The annual event, sponsored by former basketball international Danjuma Maijama’a Wunti, brought together over 13 basketball teams from across Nigeria for a week of exciting competition.

The 2025 edition of the tournament saw Suns Basketball Academy of Jos emerge as champions, clinching the top prize of ₦500,000. Adamawa Stars of Yola finished second, while Mak-Town Flyers of Makurdi claimed third place, earning ₦200,000 for their efforts.

Several standout players received individual accolades:

•   Most Valuable Player (MVP): Rayyan Salis (Suns Basketball Academy, Jos).
•   Most Improved Player: Modupe Lawrence (Mak-Town Flyers, Makurdi).
•   Best Defensive Player: Thomas Abo (Mak-Town Flyers, Makurdi).
•   Highest Scorer: Rayyan Salis (Suns Basketball Academy).
•   Best 3-Point Shooter: Solomon Iliya (Be Happy Stars, Bauchi).

Teams from across Nigeria took part, including Maktown Flyers (Makurdi), Joe Geez (Jos), Adamawa Stars (Yola), Gamji (Maiduguri), Elite Basketball Club (Takum), Suns Basketball Academy (Jos), Abba Gida Gida (Kano), Katsina United (Katsina), D Block Basketball Club (Kaduna), Yankari Kings (Bauchi), The Cubs Basketball Club (Bauchi), and Be Happy Stars (Bauchi).

Speaking on his recognition, Patrick Pascal expressed gratitude to the tournament sponsor, Danjuma Maijama’a Wunti, for his commitment to youth empowerment and development through sports. He praised the players for their remarkable display of skill and teamwork throughout the competition, highlighting the event’s importance in fostering talent and unity.

The Be Happy Basketball Tournament continues to grow in stature as a major platform for discovering and nurturing basketball talent across Nigeria.

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