20 February 2008
NIGERIA : Premier Basketball Foundation Launched in Abuja
by Ismaila Umaru Lere
A journey of one thousand miles begins with a step.And something akin to a big stride in the direction of the development of basketball was taken in Abuja with the official launching of a grassroot aca-demy.
Amidst plaudits and high expectations, the Premier Bas-ketball Foundation was unveiled yesterday by Senator Usman Kibiya Umar, a former President of Nigeria Basketball Federation, NBBF.
While launching the foun-dation, Senator Umar lauded the efforts of its founders, who he described as his acolytes during his days at the helms of Nigerian basketball.
He therefore advised them to stand firm in their efforts towards the development of the game in the country.
"There are some people who for whatever reasons will try to undermine the progress and success of the foundation. You have to remain steadfast and focus to attain your set objecti-ves," he said.
The senator said he was elated when he saw the invi-tation for the event, adding that the foundation came at an auspicious time.
Also speaking at the occa-sion, the President of the foun-dation, Alhaji Tijjani Umar said the idea of the academy was borne out of the desire to contri-bute meaningfully and selflessly to the growth and development of the game.
"I believe that there is a commonality of view among all of us that there is an urgent need to work with kids in primary and secondary schools in order to develop and nurture them through sustainable program-mes, so that a reservoir of talent is created for the benefit of our future national and international engagements," he said, stres-sing that a private, efficient, accountable avenue is required in view of the obvious inability of our public sports institutions to invest tangibly in basketball over the past several years.
In his goodwill message, Brigadier General J.G. Yakubu, the special guest of honour, applauded the foundation for the valiant initiative, saying it was a step forward in the right direction.
But, he further warned that, "progress is not only about winning and organising compe-titions. Of course, we've been doing that all along. It's all about projects and programmes like this that will target the youth and help them develop their talent and grow into future stars."
He urged the students of the academy to maximise the opportunity at hand so as to actualise their dreams as future basketball players.
Similarly, Mr. Oliver Johnson, a veteran basketball coach, advised the youngsters to adhere to the principle of discipline and scholarship if they are to make a successful career in the hoop sport.
Already, the foundation has started assisting some of its young players with opportuni-ties to further their education abroad and also play at higher levels.
Sarah Imoubioh is one of the lucky ones pencilled down for a development programme in the United States of America.
She would soon proceed to the St. Anne's College in Virginia to pursue her education and harness her talent.
"I am grabbing this opportu-nity and I will work hard to actualise my dreams," says 16-year-old Imoubioh, who told Trustsports that she has been horning her basketball skills with the academy for over two years.
Also speaking to Trustsports, Colonel Saleh Bala, founder of One Deevers basketball team and a long-time supporter of the game said the sustainability of the programme is paramount.
"Without doubt this is a giant stride and I hope the foundation will continue to wax stronger for the benefit of the sport we all cherish," he intoned.
A journey of one thousand miles begins with a step.And something akin to a big stride in the direction of the development of basketball was taken in Abuja with the official launching of a grassroot aca-demy.
Amidst plaudits and high expectations, the Premier Bas-ketball Foundation was unveiled yesterday by Senator Usman Kibiya Umar, a former President of Nigeria Basketball Federation, NBBF.
While launching the foun-dation, Senator Umar lauded the efforts of its founders, who he described as his acolytes during his days at the helms of Nigerian basketball.
He therefore advised them to stand firm in their efforts towards the development of the game in the country.
"There are some people who for whatever reasons will try to undermine the progress and success of the foundation. You have to remain steadfast and focus to attain your set objecti-ves," he said.
The senator said he was elated when he saw the invi-tation for the event, adding that the foundation came at an auspicious time.
Also speaking at the occa-sion, the President of the foun-dation, Alhaji Tijjani Umar said the idea of the academy was borne out of the desire to contri-bute meaningfully and selflessly to the growth and development of the game.
"I believe that there is a commonality of view among all of us that there is an urgent need to work with kids in primary and secondary schools in order to develop and nurture them through sustainable program-mes, so that a reservoir of talent is created for the benefit of our future national and international engagements," he said, stres-sing that a private, efficient, accountable avenue is required in view of the obvious inability of our public sports institutions to invest tangibly in basketball over the past several years.
In his goodwill message, Brigadier General J.G. Yakubu, the special guest of honour, applauded the foundation for the valiant initiative, saying it was a step forward in the right direction.
But, he further warned that, "progress is not only about winning and organising compe-titions. Of course, we've been doing that all along. It's all about projects and programmes like this that will target the youth and help them develop their talent and grow into future stars."
He urged the students of the academy to maximise the opportunity at hand so as to actualise their dreams as future basketball players.
Similarly, Mr. Oliver Johnson, a veteran basketball coach, advised the youngsters to adhere to the principle of discipline and scholarship if they are to make a successful career in the hoop sport.
Already, the foundation has started assisting some of its young players with opportuni-ties to further their education abroad and also play at higher levels.
Sarah Imoubioh is one of the lucky ones pencilled down for a development programme in the United States of America.
She would soon proceed to the St. Anne's College in Virginia to pursue her education and harness her talent.
"I am grabbing this opportu-nity and I will work hard to actualise my dreams," says 16-year-old Imoubioh, who told Trustsports that she has been horning her basketball skills with the academy for over two years.
Also speaking to Trustsports, Colonel Saleh Bala, founder of One Deevers basketball team and a long-time supporter of the game said the sustainability of the programme is paramount.
"Without doubt this is a giant stride and I hope the foundation will continue to wax stronger for the benefit of the sport we all cherish," he intoned.
# posted by afrbk : 14:39
