NBBF frontline presidential candidate Igoche Mark seeks support from stakeholders and is committed to grassroots development

NBBF frontline presidential candidate Igoche Mark seeks support from stakeholders and is committed to grassroots development

By Raphael Ekpang

Abuja (Core Reporters) – A frontline presidential candidate of the Nigerian Basketball Federation (NBBF), Igoche Mark, has called on sports journalists to remain committed to truthful, balanced and constructive reporting, stressing that the media has a vital role to play in the development of sports in Nigeria.

Mark made the call on Friday, September 18, 2026, when he received the leadership of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), led by its President, Isaiah Benjamin, at his residence in Abuja.

The meeting was part of Mark’s consultations ahead of the upcoming NBBF elections, where he is seeking support from basketball stakeholders for his presidential bid.

The promoter of the Mark D Ball Basketball Championship, described sports journalists as the “spokespeople of the sport”, stressing that their responsibility goes beyond simply reporting successes and highlighting failures and areas that need improvement.

“You play a very vital role because you are the spokesperson for sports. You cover all sports in Nigeria and you play a very important role in reporting whether we are doing badly or whether we are doing well.

“Reporting has to go both ways. You have to report the truth. Even when we are doing bad things, you have to criticize us if we are doing something wrong. That’s the only way we can get better,” Mark said.

According to him, Nigerian sport has suffered setbacks over the years, despite the country’s enormous sporting talent, which he says could compete successfully globally if properly identified, nurtured and supported.

Mark said sports has become a multi-billion dollar global industry, stressing that Nigeria must develop the necessary structures to fully exploit the economic and human potential of the sector.

He identified grassroots development as one of his top priorities in basketball, saying the next generation of champions and superstars can only emerge through deliberate investment in young athletes.

“One of the key things I do in basketball is grassroots development because that’s where you find talent. That’s where you find our future champions and future superstars,” he said.

He stressed the need for a structured development and education system that identifies young talent early and prepares them for elite competitions.

According to Mark, the relatively short competitive lives of athletes make succession planning essential.

“Our champions now cannot stay there forever. When they are gone, how can we replace them? If we can get our act together and find a proper and structured system, I believe we can raise many more champions,” he said.

Mark also urged sports journalists to “speak truth to power,” saying constructive criticism should not be compromised because of relationships with sports administrators or public officials.

“What’s wrong is wrong, and what’s right is right. It shouldn’t be because I’m in a position today and I do something wrong, and then you call it right.

“We must be able to speak this truth to power. That is where a very vital role is played in the development of sports in Nigeria,” he added.

Regarding his NBBF presidential ambition, Mark said the election should not be treated as a “do or die” affair, but as an opportunity for basketball stakeholders to collectively determine the direction of the sport.

He said his aspiration was driven by his passion for basketball and a desire to build on the accomplishments of previous administrations while introducing further improvements.

“Previous presidents have done their best, but there is room for improvement. We can do better. There is always room for improvement,” Mark said.

He called on basketball stakeholders to unite and focus on developing the game rather than money, influence or personal interests.

“It’s not about who has the money, who has the most people around them or who uses money and power. It has to be about the passion for the game and someone that all basketball stakeholders can collectively agree with,” he said.

Mark said his approach to elections and leadership will be based on inclusivity, arguing that no individual could successfully run the federation without the cooperation of the broader basketball community.

“The responsibility is too big for one person. It has to be collective. It has to be a team effort.

“Basketball, like other sports, is a team sport. It’s about the team winning, not my winning,” he said.

He also promised continued engagement with the media and encouraged journalists to report both the successes and shortcomings of any future administration to allow for corrective measures where necessary.

Previously, SWAN President Isaiah Benjamin lauded Mark’s contribution to the development of basketball and expressed support for initiatives to strengthen the game in Nigeria and the diaspora.

Benjamin said sports writers have an important responsibility to document and promote positive developments in Nigerian sports, while holding stakeholders accountable.

He noted that several basketball leagues, sponsorship initiatives and development programs have contributed to the growth of the sport, stressing that people who have dedicated their resources and energy to basketball deserve recognition.

He said the development of sport requires stronger national competitions, better opportunities for athletes and greater collaboration between stakeholders.

“For us sports writers, our journey is strategic. We are committed to doing things that will contribute to the development of sports in Nigeria, and basketball is no exception,” Benjamin said.

He added that the media will continue to support genuine efforts to develop basketball, regardless of the individuals behind such initiatives, while maintaining its responsibility to report developments objectively.

Benjamin also expressed readiness for further collaboration with stakeholders in the promotion of basketball in Nigeria and the diaspora.

He said stronger partnerships are needed between sports stakeholders and the media to give Nigerian athletes and development programs the visibility needed to attract wider support.

He commended the individuals and organizations contributing to the development of basketball and expressed optimism that sustained collaboration would help advance the sport in Nigeria.