The Imo State Basketball Association will unveil long-term development plan

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By Wakawaka Sports

The leadership of the Imo State Basketball Association has initiated efforts to reposition basketball in the state with the intention of unveiling a comprehensive long-term development program designed to revive the sport from grassroots to professional level.

The President of the Imo State Basketball Association, Hon. Johnbosco Okeahialam, paid a courtesy visit to the Imo State Commissioner for Sports, Hon. Obinna Onyeocha and the Director of Sports, Lady Justina Apulo, to discuss a sustainable roadmap for the growth and development of basketball in the state.

Speaking during the meeting, the Hon. Okeahialam said the association is determined to move away from the era of one-off basketball programs by introducing a structured and sustainable development model that will benefit players, coaches, officials, schools and clubs across the state.

According to him, the proposed framework will focus on grassroots talent discovery, player development, coach education, regular competitions and growth of the professional game, while creating a product that will attract corporate organisations, sponsors, philanthropists and basketball stakeholders from across Nigeria.

He emphasized that the association’s vision is to build a basketball ecosystem with clear objectives, implementation strategies and measurable results that will ensure long-term continuity and success.

Hon Okeahialam also highlighted the need to upgrade basketball facilities in the state to meet modern standards. He noted that the improved facilities would encourage families, basketball enthusiasts and high net worth individuals to participate and support the competitions, thereby increasing the commercial value of the sport in Imo State.

Accompanied by the Media Manager of the South East and Imo State Basketball Association, Kennedy Onwunali, the state coach Victor Oguguo. The President also inspected various basketball facilities at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri, as part of efforts to assess their current condition and identify areas that require immediate attention.

The Commissioner for Sport, the Hon. Obinna Onyeocha, lauded the new leadership for its vision and commitment to revitalize basketball in the state. He assured the association of the Ministry’s support in achieving its development objectives.

The commissioner also congratulated the Hon. Okeahialam on his recent successful civil marriage in London and wished him a happy and fruitful married life.

The renewed thrust of the Imo State Basketball Association is expected to usher in a new era for basketball in the state, with stakeholders expressing optimism that the planned reforms will restore Imo’s status as one of Nigeria’s leading basketball hubs.