American Cola Unveils Revamped Ilupeju Basketball Court

The American Cola Creative Court, a newly transformed basketball facility in Ilupeju, Lagos, has been unveiled by Planet Bottling Company (PBC), the makers of American Cola. This renovation, undertaken in partnership with the Odi-Olowo Ojuwoye Local Council Development Area (LCDA), aims to foster grassroots sports, urban culture, and youth expression.

PBC's Marketing Manager, Naji Awada, emphasized that the project transcends mere aesthetic upgrades. "It is about renewing the passion for basketball, bringing talents here and hopefully raising stars here," he stated. The initiative seeks to create a vibrant hub for young athletes and the community.

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This project is not about paints, new hoops or putting a logo on that fence. It is about renewing the passion for basketball, bringing talents here and hopefully raising stars here.

Communications Manager Franklyn Eluagu highlighted the company's global affinity for basketball and its strategy to identify and support basketball communities across Lagos. "We are identifying all the communities where they play basketball and seeing what we can do to improve the conditions of the players, the courts and the community to ensure there is growth of the game in Lagos and the country," Eluagu explained.

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For American Cola, globally, the countries that we belong to love basketball. In Lagos, we are identifying all the communities where they play basketball and seeing what we can do to improve the conditions of the players, the courts and the community to ensure there is growth of the game in Lagos and the country.

The project also included the donation of jersey sets to the male and female basketball teams of the LCDA, expected to last for two years. Olamilekan Adeyi, Leader of the Legislative House of the LCDA, praised the partnership for its positive impact on local youth, stating, "The partnership has already started benefiting the youths of Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye." He added that the initiative helps keep young people engaged in sports and away from negative influences.

The renovation coincided with the second edition of the American Cola Shoot the Hoop and Half Court tournaments. These competitions featured 24 teams each, with some matches played during the court's unveiling. A total prize pool of ₦5 million was up for grabs, with the winner of the Shoot the Hoop competition receiving ₦800,000.

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The partnership has already started benefiting the youths of Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye. We have lots of participants here and from other local governments coming to use this court.