…Kida insists he’s proud of 8-year tenure, promises support for successor
National Sports Commission (NSC), has promised to give full support to the new leadership and stakeholders of the Nigerian Basketball Federation (NBBF), urging the board to go into a new era of growth and development.
Chairman of the Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, gave the assurance on Thursday at the NBBF elective congress held at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja.
The NSC boss noted the election will provide an opportunity for stakeholders to end the divisions that had characterised the federation’s recent history and work together towards a common goal.
According to him; “Today is the day to show that we are for basketball. Whatever it is, let us put the ball stop here and see how we can move forward together as one family.”
He further noted that while some stakeholders might have supported different candidates during the election, the outcome should mark the beginning of a united administration focused on advancing the sport.
“Somebody is going left, somebody is going right, somebody is going back, but for the next four years, we will be speaking from the time and the same situation,” he challenged.
Dikko also acknowledged the role of the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) in supporting the development and administration of Nigerian basketball, urging stakeholders to sustain their cooperation with the world governing body.
He said the NSC was committed to providing the necessary support to enable basketball to grow, expand participation and create opportunities for young people across the country.
Dikko further added that the development of the sport required collective commitment from administrators, players and other stakeholders, regardless of their differences during the electoral process.
Earlier, the outgoing president of NBBF, Musa Kida, had expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu, Shehu Dikko, the NSC’s Director-General, Bukola Olopade and basketball stakeholders for their contributions during his eight-year tenure.
He said that he is bowing out holding his head very high over his achievements in the past eight years he was in charge, describing the journey as challenging.
The outgoing NBBF president said he was leaving office with a sense of fulfilment, believing that his administration had laid a foundation for future development.
“It has been a very tight block, but Alhamdulillah, we are here today,” Kida said, commending the delegates for remaining committed to the process despite the difficulties surrounding the election.
Kida also acknowledged the presence of state directors of sports, stressing that their participation reflected the importance attached to basketball across the country.
While reflecting on his tenure, Kida said he had invested considerable time, resources and passion in developing the game.
“I personally have given the best shot that I could have. I have invested my time, I have invested my resources and passion in order for us to grow this game. I am stepping down full of pride and with a huge sense of fulfilment,” he said.
Kida expressed confidence that the incoming board would build on the achievements of his administration, describing the elective congress as a watershed moment in Nigerian basketball.
He also pledged to support whoever emerged as his successor, irrespective of the outcome of the election.
“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,” he said.
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