NGO Urges Nasarawa State’s Young Girls To Participate In Basketball

Young girls in Nasarawa State, North-Central Nigeria, have been called upon by a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), the Jordan Nwora Foundation, to participate fully in basketball for leadership and peace-building in the society in Lafia, the State Capital.

A Director at the University of Delaware, USA, Omowunmi Rafiu Kike stated this at a grand reception in honour of the JNF. Kike noted that another vital area of the Foundation’s goal is to give young women ample opportunity to explore their sporting talent.

She called on parents and religious organisations to accord the same opportunity given to male children to female children as the latter can also make great sports professionals.

“For women to participate fully in basketball, there has to be an encouragement from the family level, by talking to the girls about what they can do and cannot do,” Kike said.

“The conversation should be on what they can do because the future of basketball is women, the future of basketball is girls and we need to stop putting limitations on our girls.”

Speaking, FIBA Africa President Zone 3, Col. Samuel Ahmedu said that their visit to Nasarawa State is to provide an opportunity for the kids to learn games, life skills and to teach them why education is important.

“This is an opportunity for Nasarawa players to identify its future players and leaders. This is where we will identify their strength and weaknesses and how to improve in their games,” Col. Ahmedu said.

“Camps are not to make people go to the NBA, but in this game, there is room for everything. You can be a player, after which a coach, as well as a referee.”

• Read more: NGO Begins Basketball Camp In Nasarawa State

Grand Patron, North-central Basketball Association, and the Paramount Ruler of the Andoma of Doma, HRH. Dr. Aliyu Onawo lauded the leadership of the Jordan Nwora Foundation for finding a haven in Nasarawa State.

He praised Jordan Nwora and his family for bringing glory and honour to their fatherland, Nigeria, through professional and international basketball.

“We thank you for what you are doing through basketball. Kindly note that your goodness has reached Doma and the wonderful people of Doma are appreciative of your contributions to the name and image of Nigeria,” HRH Onawo said.

“Your integrity has earned you great trust because for Americans to join you for this program to Nasarawa State, despite all the general misrepresentations about Nigeria, means a lot. For this noble feat, we are adopting you and your American coaches as sons of Doma Land.”

“Henceforth, you will enjoy all the benefits every bonafide member of the Kingdom enjoys,” he added.

The Jordan Nwora Basketball camp program has kick-started on Sunday, 24th July 2022, at the Lafia City Hall, now rechristened “Lafia Sports Arena” and will conclude on Tuesday, 26th July.