File: NSC chair, Shehu Dikko
Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, has urged stakeholders in Nigerian basketball to set aside their differences and support the incoming leadership of the Nigeria Basketball Federation to promote unity and development.
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 offered stakeholders an opportunity to end divisions within the federation and prioritise the development of the sport 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 unite 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 Nigerian basketball and called for continued cooperation with the world governing body.
He assured stakeholders of the NSC’s commitment to initiatives aimed at expanding participation, strengthening domestic leagues and creating opportunities for young players.
Meanwhile, 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 investing his time, resources and passion in the development of the sport.
“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.
Kida cited 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, expressing hope that the incoming board would build on the existing foundation.
With his eight-year tenure ending, attention now turns to the new administration and its plans to unite stakeholders, strengthen domestic competitions and establish a sustainable pathway for Nigerian basketball.