BENJAMIN OMOIKE
Following the unending crises that have plagued and nearly crippled Basketball development in the country, President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the immediate withdrawal of Nigeria from all International Basketball Competitions for a period of two years.
The Honourable Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr Sunday Dare, who made the statement in his office in Abuja, disclosed that the withdrawal of Nigeria was to provide Government with the opportunity to revamp the sport from the grassroots, as well as revive the domestic leagues, which have become moribund.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Alhaji Ismaila Abubakar, the Minister stated that the withdrawal will also allow for the setting up of an Interim Management Committee (IMC), to oversee the management and development of the domestic Basketbal Leagues in Nigeria and to further address other related issues around the advancement of the game in the country.
“Government intends to utilise this period of break to address a contentious issues among stakeholders. The Terms of Referenc (TOR), and membership of the Interim Management Committee will be announced in due course,” he said.
In issuing the Presidential order, the Minister reiterated government interest and commitment to the development of the sport.
He called on players, officials, fans and other stakeholders of the sport to remain calm as government embarks on far-reaching initiatives to reposition, sustain and stabilise the game of basketball for growth and success in the long term interest of the country.
