NBA star builds basketball academy in Enugu
A US-based NBA player, Ezekiel Tobechukwu Nnaji, popularly called Zeke, has set-up plans to build a basketball academy at Agbani in Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State.
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The project is part of the Denver Nuggets star’s family foundation in honour of their parents, Mrs and Mrs. Orji Nnaji.
The foundation said that it’s target is to rivatalize basketball in Nigeria with an academy that will produce Nigeria basketball players of international repute.
Country Director, Nnaji Family Foundation, Mrs. Felicia Ezeakor, said the facility would be replicated in other four states of the South East.
Chairman, House Committee on Aviation in the National Assembly, Nnolim Nnaji who cut the ribbons at the event said the talent hunt was a veritable means of empowerment for young people.
according to Nnaji, the project will consist of skill acquisition center and school, it will house children from eight to 16 years, giving them all they need to be successful in academics and basketball.
He described it as first of its kind in the state, urging youths of the region to take advantage of the opportunity provided by the life-changing initiative.
The lawmaker assured the partnership of the state and local government to maximize the facility.
In his virtual remarks at the unveiling ceremony, Zeke said it was part of his giving back to the society, noting that organised basketball, teaches kids life skills set like determination, perseverance, collaboration and learning how to handle failure.
“My family and I believe that athletic and academic engagement is a powerful tool for molding children into productive members of our society. We partnered with NBA Africa and the NBA Players Association to build the basketball facility.
MTO/Sun
