The Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko, has urged stakeholders in Nigerian basketball to set aside their differences and support the incoming leadership of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) to promote unity and the development of the sport.
Dikko made the appeal on Thursday during the NBBF elective congress at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja, where delegates gathered to elect a new board to succeed the outgoing administration of Musa Kida.
The NSC chairman said the election presented an opportunity for stakeholders to end divisions within the federation and prioritise the growth of basketball over personal interests.
“Today is the day to show that we are for basketball. Whatever it is, let’s put the ball to a stop here and see how we can move forward together as one family,” Dikko said.
He acknowledged that stakeholders had supported different candidates during the electoral process but urged them to rally behind the incoming administration for the next four years.
“Somebody is going left, somebody is going right, somebody is going back, but for the next four years, we will be speaking from the same time and the same situation,” he said.
Dikko also acknowledged the contributions of the International Basketball Federation to the development of the game in Nigeria and called for sustained cooperation with the world governing body.
He assured stakeholders that the NSC remained committed to initiatives aimed at expanding participation, strengthening domestic leagues and creating more opportunities for young players.
Meanwhile, the outgoing NBBF president, Kida, thanked President Bola Tinubu, Dikko, the NSC Director-General, Bukola Olopade, and other stakeholders for their contributions during his eight-year tenure.
Kida described his time in office as challenging but rewarding, saying he was leaving with a sense of fulfilment after dedicating his time, resources and passion to the development of Nigerian basketball.
“It has been a very tight block, but Alhamdulillah, we are here today,” he said.
He also pledged to support whoever emerged as his successor, regardless of the election outcome.
“I want to assure you that no matter who wins the elections, I will give you my unbiased support when you need it, if you need it, and most especially if you ask for it,” Kida added.
The outgoing president pointed to the continued organisation of the women’s Premier League and developments in the men’s competition as some of the progress recorded under his administration.
He expressed hope that the incoming board would consolidate these gains and build on the foundation laid during his time in office.
With Kida’s eight-year tenure coming to an end, the new administration is expected to focus on uniting stakeholders, strengthening domestic competitions and establishing a sustainable pathway for the growth of Nigerian basketball.
