By Lateef Adekola
As preparations for the eargely awaited elections into a new board of Nigeria Basketball Federation hots up, the outgoing president of the NBBF board, Engr. Ahmadu Musa Kida, has reiterated his unflinching desires to take the game to greater heights.
While speaking with journalists in Lagos, Kida stated that his love and passion for the game, and particularly, the desire to see its rapid development at the grassroots level are reasons behind his reelection bid.
” I’m seeking reelection as the president of NBBF because basketball in Nigeria is still a work in progress. I have so much believe in the potentials of the youths playing this game and their ability to rule the world,” he enthused.
” What the world have seen so far, are just glimpses and tips of the iceberg. I believe that with concerted efforts and dedication to the game, the future of basketball in Nigeria is very bright,” he said.
It would be recalled that in his four years as the president of NBBF, Musa Kida facilitated the sponsorship of the division 1 and 2 basketball league by Total Oil. He also returned the NBBF Premier League after four years in the doldrums.
Kida was credited for his immense and selfless moral and financial support that ensured D’Tigress won the Afrobasketball championship three times in a roll; 2017, 2019 and 2021.
He also supported D’Tigers to become the first African national team to defeat the USA, in a basketball game.
Through his Ahmadu Musa Kida Foundation, he funded several grassroots basketball programmes across West Africa., particularly, popularising the 3×3 games. As well as, supporting grassroots basketball programmes in Rivers State, leading to their winning of gold medals in three National Sports Festival for both male and female.
He added conclusively, “Together, we can achieve more. Therefore, I remain committed to the development of the game in Nigeria. I want to reassure lovers of basketball of my selfless drives to secure a brighter future for the game in the country.”
