Tinubu tasks new NBBF president Abdullahi on talent development, athletes’ welfare

President Bola Tinubu has urged the newly elected President of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), Mustapha Abdullahi, to prioritise athletes’ welfare, talent identification and the development of men’s and women’s basketball.

Tinubu said Abdullahi’s election presented an opportunity to advance basketball in Nigeria and improve the administration of the sport.

The President, in a statement issued on Friday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, congratulated Abdullahi, who is also the Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, on his election.

He urged the new NBBF president to use his experience, leadership and commitment to strengthen the federation and create opportunities for young Nigerian basketball players to excel at national and international levels.

“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.

Tinubu also called on players, coaches, administrators, sponsors and supporters to rally behind the new leadership and work together to build a stronger and more competitive federation.

He said, “I wish the new NBBF Boss a successful tenure and assure him of the Federal Government’s continued recognition of sports as an important platform for youth empowerment, national unity and international engagement.”