President Bola Tinubu has urged the newly elected President of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), Mustapha Abdullahi, to prioritise athletes’ welfare, talent development and improved sports administration.
The President said this would help to strengthen Nigerian basketball and enhance the country’s competitiveness internationally.
President Tinubu, who congratulated Abdullahi on his election, described his emergence as an opportunity to reposition Nigerian basketball and consolidate efforts towards the sustainable development of the sport.
Abdullahi is also the Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN).
In a congratulatory message issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, the President expressed confidence that Abdullahi’s leadership experience and commitment would contribute to strengthening the federation’s administration and expanding opportunities for emerging basketball talents.
“The new NBBF leadership should emphasise the improvement of the welfare of athletes, effective talent identification and the promotion of both men’s and women’s basketball as essential pillars for the sustained growth of the sport,” the President stated.
Collective Support
President Tinubu also called for collective support from stakeholders across the basketball community, stressing that meaningful progress in the sport would require sustained collaboration among players, coaches, administrators, sponsors and supporters.
He emphasised the importance of building a more competitive, professionally managed and inclusive basketball federation capable of advancing the interests of athletes and sustaining Nigeria’s presence in international competitions.
The President further reaffirmed the Nigerian Government’s recognition of sports as a strategic instrument for empowering young Nigerians, fostering national cohesion and strengthening the country’s international engagement.
“I wish the new NBBF Boss a successful tenure and assure him of the Federal Government’s continued recognition of sports as an important platform for youth empowerment, national unity and international engagement,” President Tinubu added.
