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By Wakawaka Sports
The South East Basketball Association (SEBA) has responded to concerns raised by Ayo Bakare over the moving of the second phase of the NBBF Premier League Atlantic Conference from Lagos to Enugu, insisting that security challenges should not be used to single out one particular state.
In a statement signed by Kennedy Onwunali, Media Manager of the South East Basketball Association, the body said that while Bakare’s concerns as a basketball stakeholder are respected, security issues must be viewed from a national perspective.
Onwunali questioned why Enugu had been described as unsuitable to host the competition due to security reasons, asking why similar considerations had not been raised about other venues hosting sporting activities.
“Security challenges are national issues and affect different parts of the country. It is therefore unfair to single out Enugu as the only place facing such realities. The same standard should apply to every state and every sporting venue,” he said.
The SEBA media officer also highlighted recent security incidents in Lagos, including reports of the kidnapping and killing of a senior security official, arguing that such incidents do not automatically make Lagos unsafe for sporting events.
“Could anyone conclude from that incident that Lagos is no longer safe or that all activities should be stopped there? The answer is no. Security challenges are a national concern and the responsibility is to strengthen security measures,” Onwunali added.
Further reacting to the security issue, SEBA questioned what position was taken when Ibadan hosted the first phase of the championship despite also having security concerns.
“If safety is the deciding factor, what was the response when Ibadan was chosen to host the first phase of the championship? Was Ibadan deemed unsuitable at the time or was a different standard applied?” the statement asked.
The association maintained that Enugu has the capacity, facilities and sporting environment to host the competition successfully, highlighting the state’s preparedness to host the National Sports Festival, which is expected to bring together thousands of athletes, officials and administrators.
SEBA also rejected suggestions that the change of venue was linked to politics or personal interests, saying the move should be seen as part of efforts to expand basketball development in different regions.
“The growth of Nigerian basketball requires that different regions be given opportunities to host and promote the sport. Expanding beyond traditional venues will help build a stronger basketball culture,” Onwunali said.
The association called on stakeholders to focus on the players, the success of the league and the unity of Nigerian basketball, assuring teams and officials that Enugu is ready to welcome the basketball community.
