Defence Minister announces South-East basketball tournament, donates N2m to Abia camp

Nigeria's Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (rtd), has unveiled plans to establish a South-East Regional Basketball Championship. This new tournament is designed to identify and develop emerging basketball talents from the grassroots level across the five states in Nigeria's South-East region.

Gen. Musa made the announcement during his visit to the Umuahia Township Stadium in Abia State. He interacted with young participants at an inaugural multi-age basketball camp organized by the Crossover Foundation, an initiative supported by Nigerians in the diaspora and basketball figures like the Achiuwa brothers. The Minister commended the foundation and the Abia State Government for their collaborative efforts in advancing youth sports development.

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The planned regional championship would provide a platform to unite and showcase emerging basketball talents from the five South-East states.

As a basketball enthusiast himself, Gen. Musa immediately pledged a donation of N2 million to support the ongoing camp's activities. He emphasized that the proposed regional championship would serve as a vital platform for uniting and showcasing the skills of young athletes from the region. Gen. Musa also encouraged parents to support their children's involvement in organized sports, highlighting the significant role athletics plays in character building, leadership training, and fostering national unity.

Furthermore, the Minister disclosed that the Nigerian Armed Forces will soon launch targeted sports recruitment programs. These initiatives aim to provide promising young athletes with opportunities to pursue careers within the military. In recognition of his commitment to youth sports, Gen. Musa was presented with a signed basketball by NBA player Precious Achiuwa on behalf of the camp organizers.

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parents to encourage their children to participate in organised sports, noting that athletics plays an important role in character development, leadership training and national cohesion.