Bomba Dauda
The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), has announced plans to establish a South-East Regional Basketball Championship to identify and develop young basketball talents across the region.
The minister made the announcement after visiting the Umuahia Township Stadium at the end of his three-day official working visit to Abia State, where he interacted with participants at the inaugural multi-age basketball camp organised by the Crossover Foundation in partnership with the Achiuwa brothers, Nigerian-born basketball stars based in the diaspora.
General Musa commended the foundation and the Abia State Government for collaborating to promote grassroots sports development and expand opportunities for young athletes.
To support the initiative, the Defence Minister donated ₦2 million to the basketball camp, describing sports as a powerful tool for youth empowerment, discipline, leadership and national unity.
He said the proposed South-East Regional Basketball Championship would provide a platform for talented young players from the five South-East states to showcase their abilities and advance their sporting careers.
The minister also encouraged parents to support their children’s participation in organised sports, noting that athletics can help build character and create opportunities for personal development.
General Musa further disclosed that the Armed Forces of Nigeria would soon introduce targeted sports recruitment programmes to provide talented athletes with opportunities to pursue careers in the military.
In appreciation of his support for youth sports, the organisers presented the minister with a signed basketball on behalf of NBA player Precious Achiuwa.
The announcement was contained in a statement issued on Saturday by the Special Assistant (Media) to the Minister of Defence, Leah Katung-Babatunde.
