President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Energy Commission of Nigeria Director-General Mustapha Abdullahi on his election as President of the Nigeria Basketball Federation, urging him to improve athletes’ welfare, strengthen administration and expand opportunities for young talents.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated the Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), Dr Mustapha Abdullahi, on his election as President of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), describing his emergence as an opportunity to advance basketball development in the country.
The President urged Abdullahi to use his experience, leadership skills and commitment to strengthen the federation’s administration and create more opportunities for young Nigerian basketball players to excel nationally and internationally.
Abdullahi emerged as NBBF president following the federation’s elective congress in Abuja on Thursday, October 15. He secured 40 votes to defeat former D’Tigers captain Olumide Oyedeji, who received eight votes, while former international player Ejike Ugboaja received none.
Tinubu also called on stakeholders across Nigerian basketball, including players, coaches, administrators, sponsors and supporters, to support the new leadership and work collectively towards building a stronger, more competitive and professionally managed federation.
“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 said.
He wished Abdullahi a successful tenure and reaffirmed the Federal Government’s recognition of sports as an important platform for youth empowerment, national unity and international engagement.
The President’s message highlighted athletes’ welfare, talent discovery and the development of both men’s and women’s basketball as priorities for the federation’s new administration.
Abdullahi’s election ushers in a new leadership at the NBBF, which oversees basketball development and administration in Nigeria. His tenure is expected to focus on expanding grassroots participation, improving sporting infrastructure and strengthening domestic competitions.
The new president faces the task of working with players, coaches, sponsors and other stakeholders to improve the organisation of basketball and create sustainable pathways for emerging talents.
President Tinubu’s congratulatory message concluded with a call for collective support for the federation’s leadership as it seeks to improve the standard and competitiveness of Nigerian basketball.
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