By Charles Edet Esq., FCR
Ejike Ugboaja says his ambition to become NBBF President is driven by a mission to transform basketball into a national passion, youth-development platform and earning hub.
“I want Nigerians talking basketball, watching basketball, playing basketball and earning through basketball. We will take the game to states, local governments, schools and communities,” Ugboaja declares.
His vision includes regular grassroots competitions, talent hunts, training camps and stronger national championships to discover and develop future stars.
Ugboaja will also encourage ministries and government agencies to strengthen their basketball sports units. The Nigeria Police Force, Armed Forces, Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigeria Customs Service, Nigerian Correctional Service and other institutions will be encouraged to revive and strengthen their teams and participate vigorously in competitions.
Basketball, he believes, can create opportunities for players, coaches, referees, trainers, scouts, journalists, content creators and businesses.
“We are going on a full-court press for development. The more teams we create, the more competitions we organise and the more talents and opportunities we produce.
Give Nigerian youths the ball, the court and the opportunity, and watch them fly. We will make basketball a national sing-song.”