Former D'Tigers captain and Nigeria Olympic Committee vice-president Olumide Oyedeji don declare say im wan run for president of Nigerian Basketball Federation (NBBF). The former Nigerian international and Secretary General of World Olympians Association show himself on Monday as experienced administrator and elite athlete wey fit unite di kontri basketball seyant.
"I understand di journey because I don live am — from di grassroots courts of Ibadan to di biggest basketball stages for di world," Oyedeji talk, add say: "I know di road, and I ready to build di path for di next generation." Wit more dan three decades inside di game, including stints for NBA, Olympics, World Championships, Commonwealth Games, African Games and professional leagues across six continents, im argue say im background give am clear view of di sport challenges.
Im platform rest on athlete-centred philosophy wey cover insurance, medical support, injury protection, post-career mentoring and educational scholarships. For di base of di plan na grassroots programme wey target all six geopolitical zones through partnership wit state associations, schools, communities and local governments. "No talented Nigerian pikin suppose lose opportunity to succeed because of geography, background, connection or money matter," im declare.
"Merit, not favouritism must decide di opportunity," im tok, also promise restructured domestic leagues, wider investment for coaches, referees and technical officials, and national-team selection based on performance.
