Sport investor Dr Mustapha Abdullahi don come out say him ambition to lead di Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) match di Federal Government plan to use sport as place for investment, job creation and economic diversification. Di Director-General of di Energy Commission of Nigeria say im candidacy dey based on more dan 20 years wey e don dey inside basketball.
Abdullahi, wey also be Director of Youth of di Renewed Hope Ambassadors, list out wetin e go focus on if dem elect am: "My vision be say make I help build one federation wey dem go run professionally, with stronger domestic leagues, better player welfare, sustainable commercial partnerships and clear development pathways for young athletes." E stress say working together with state associations, clubs, coaches and oda stakeholders go dey central to improve basketball administration.
Di candidate tie im bid to President Bola Tinubu restructuring of sport administration and di renewed focus for sport economy through di National Sports Commission. E say di return of di Commission under Mallam Shehu Dikko and Hon. Bukola Olopade don create chance for federations to strengthen dia operations, improve governance and bring private-sector investment.
Abdullahi involvement for basketball include playing for Nigeria domestic leagues, university competitions and di national youth setup, followed by one stint for Trafford Basketball Club for Manchester. Through di DAM Foundation, e don build one court for Kano, organize competitions for Okene and support one academy wey dey serve more dan 500 pikin. E argue say grassroots projects by one person no fit deliver nationwide development without stronger institutions and clear pathways from grassroots play reach professional sport.
