While admonishing the elderly stakeholders to play advisory role rather than jostling for Nigeria Basketball Federation, NBBF positions with the younger generation, the federation President, Mr Igoche Mark, has again re-echoed his resolve towards grassroots development of basketball.
Mark, spoke at a dinner organised at the weekend for players and officials of Round 1 Group C at the ongoing Mark D Ball Basketball Championship holding at the Package B, Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.
The NBBF President took time to eulogise the founder of the defunct Gboko Heat, Philip Akiga over his advisory role the basketball stakeholder is currently playing.
“I have sworn long ago that my goal and target for Basketball in Nigeria is to develop this game from the grassroot, and this, I am committed to do.The joy in my heart knows no bound whenever I see raw talents expressing themselves in the court.
“When I started Mark Mentors, it was replica of Gboko Heat, because they were perfect example for serious minds to emulate. Let me use the opportunity to thank Mr Philip Akiga, who I learnt a lot from in the past. I also want to thank him for his advisory role he has been playing towards developing this game, and I wish other elderly stakeholders can take after him by playing advisory role, rather than this tussle for leadership positions,” Mark said.
He was emphatic when he said that Nigeria’s foreign based players – male and female, were not from the blues.
“Our foreign based players in the D’Tigers and D’Tigress were all products of grassroots development.
“We cannot ignore grassroots basketball development. From the talents discovered in this Mark D Ball Championship, many would further their career in the NBA. Grassroots development is key in my planning”, Mark added.
The NBBF Supremo, thanked the founder of Mo Heat Basketball Club, Mr Mohammed Shehu for organising the dinner for the players.
