PHOTO NEWS: Oba Gbadebo, Egba chiefs, Bosun Tijani grace Xmas Youth Basketball Tournament

Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, the Alake of Egbaland, and his chiefs joined the Minister of Communications, Digital Economy and Innovation, Bosun Tijani, at the Youth Basketball Tournament in Abeokuta on Wednesday as part of activities for the yuletide season.

The basketball tournament was hosted by the Bosun Tijani Foundation and, over three days, basketball players in Ogun State chased glory.

The minister shared pictures from the tournament on his social media account thus:

“This festive season, it was a great honour to return to Abeokuta, Ogun State, as we hosted the first Bosun Tijani Foundation Festive Basketball Tournament. Over three days, young talents from across Nigeria came together to compete, reminding us all that sport builds community and creates pathways for hope and self-expression.

“In keeping with the spirit of the season, families, friends and supporters gathered to cheer, celebrate and share in the collective spirit of togetherness.

“I extend my heartfelt appreciation to His Excellency, Governor Prince @DapoAbiodunCON, ably represented by his Chief of Staff, Dr Oluwatoyin Taiwo; the Commissioner for Sports, Hon. Wasiu Isiaka; the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Michael Gbadebo; the Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, Oba (Dr) Kehinde Gbadewole Olugbenle; and other royal fathers present at the tournament finale. Your belief in the power of youth and community continues to strengthen our shared drive for inclusive development.

“To Team NCBC, winners of the inaugural Festive Basketball Tournament, all the teams who participated, coaches, volunteers, partners and supporters who made this tournament a success — I say thank you. I look forward to building on this and returning with even more opportunities for our young people to shine, grow and contribute to the fabric of our nation.”