Basketball in Africa

by Ishola Bashir

It was an occasion for fanfare, excitement and joy as the Nestle Milo Basketball Summer Clinic was rounded up over the weekend at the Indoor Sports Hall of the Nnamdi Azikwe Stadium in Enugu.
The Enugu leg of the clinic, which started on the 1st of September 2008, came to an end on the 5th of September, 2008 with the kids and their parents seeking for an extension of the clinic.
Miss Nweke Evangeline, a 13-year old female student of Solid Base Private School Enugu said she really had a lot fun and gave big thanks to her mother for encouraging her to come for the clinic.

Master Izuchukwu John, who attends University of Nigeria Secondary School, Enugu Campus also extended his appreciation to Nestle Milo for the clinic and for its wonderful plans towards developing basketball in Nigeria.
"My wish is that Nestle should continue with this type of clinic, if possible, more than twice a year", he said.

Speaking at the occasion, the Enugu State Commissioner for Gender Affairs and 1st Vice President, Nigerian Basketball Federation (NBF) commended Nestle Nigeria for its efforts in developing basketball and particularly for its steadfast commitment to this developmental programme for the under-12. She further charged the parents to give their children every necessary support to improve on the training given them at the clinic.
"Through basketball, these children can eventually become breadwinners for their families because there is a lot of monetary reward in it like that of football", she said.
Nestlé's Category Business Manager (Beverages), Mr. Walter Okafor commended the positive response of the parents and guardians to the clinic and reminded them to continue investing in their kids future.
"You must continue to support these kids for further training after the clinic so that they can graduate to play in the Nestle Milo Secondary School Basketball Championship, the Nigerian basketball league and ultimately international professional basketball", he stated.
At the end of the clinic, the Most Valuable Players (MVP's) emerged for the male and female categories. They are: Miss Juliana Ali and Master Ogbu Victor who went home with a pair of trainers, basketball kits and lots of Milo products.

Also, the best shooters in age 5-8 years are Master Peter Madubuike, Master Obi Ojiasagbo and Master Eze Tochukwu.