Nigeria Baseball and Softball Association, NBSA, and Japan-Africa Baseball & Softbal J-ABS, Foundation, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU to develop Baseball and Softball, through the Nigeria Baseball Development Project for the period of 5 years.
The signing ceremony took place at the Baseball Park of the the Moshood Abiola Stadium Complex in Abuja, Nigeria.
The initiator of the project, Japan-Africa Baseball and Softball Foundation working in partnership with the Nigeria Baseball and Softball Association will be driving this process over a period of five years, which is J-ABS first project in Nigeria.
The President of J-ABS, Shinya Tomonari, said the five -year partnership with NBSA would focus on a Development Plan to improve the quality of the game in Nigeria..
Promoting the Values of Baseball
Mr. Tomonari said the MoU was aimed at creating a bright future for Africa and Japan, by promoting the values of baseball and softball between both countries.
As a former baseballer, Mr. Tomonari said, working as manager of the Ghana National Baseball team in 1997, led him to establish the Association for Friends of African Baseball (AFAB) in 2003, which was renamed Japan-Africa Baseball & Softball J-ABS in 2021.
“Baseball development is not simply about promoting baseball, the true purpose is to help young people learn the values of discipline, respect and justice.
“This is the hallmark of traditional baseball in Japan-the number one ranked country in the sport.
“Japanese style baseball is known to promote human development and is one of the reasons why the sport is popular and supported by the Japanese public.
“We also hope to promote exchange between Nigeria and Japan and do our best for the future of this project,“ he explained.
The Ambassador of Japan to Nigeria, Matsunaga Kazuyoshi , said the sport would help kids learn democratic ideas, respect for rules, and build peace.
“I believe that there is great potential for sport, especially community sport, as it has a unique way of making a positive impact in society.
“It allows participation of people of all backgrounds and abilities. It allows the players experience joy, form connections, and build communities among themselves,” Kazuyoshi said.
Strengthen Bilateral Relations
The envoy noted that the MoU would also help strengthen bilateral relations between Nigeria and Japan.
The acting President of Nigeria Baseball and Softball Association NBSA, Monishola Makunjuola, expressed optimism that the support by the Japan-Africa Baseball & Softball Foundation will immensely facilitate the development and growth of the game in Nigeria.
“We are optimistic that this new beginning, as it affect schools and sports will teach important life lessons to our young lads, in the areas of discipline, hard work, commitment and teamwork.
“NBSA in the past has been the forerunner of West Africa and African baseball but in recent times, the association has been struggling with growth.
“This partnership will help Nigeria baseball and softball wax stronger again,”Makanjuola said.
The event was witnessed by a representative of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, Mohammed Abdullahi, few sponsors of NBSA, students as well as a virtual appealrance of the Ambassador of Nigeria to Japan, Abubakar Husaini.
Confidence Okwuchi
