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By Silvernews
Ebonyi State on Friday took a significant step in its sports development drive by hosting the first-ever South East Regional Basketball Championship, with government officials describing the tournament as a landmark event for youth empowerment and talent discovery in the region.
Speaking at the opening ceremony on behalf of Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, the Commissioner for Youth Development and Sports said the competition, which will take place from June 5 to 7, marks the first time Ebonyi is hosting a regional basketball tournament of this scale.
One of the highlights of the event was the commissioning of the new building of the Hon. Richard Idike Basketball Court, a facility intended to serve as a center for basketball development, youth engagement and grassroots talent identification in the state.
The commissioner welcomed officials of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), coaches, athletes, administrators and supporters from across the South East, stressing that the championship reflects the growing profile of basketball in the zone.
He commended the President of the NBBF, Eng. Ahmadu Musa Kida for his contribution to the development of the game in Nigeria and also commended the South East representative on the NBBF Board of Directors, Ugo Udezue, for his role in bringing the tournament and the new basketball facility to fruition.
According to him, the championship goes beyond competition, providing a platform for regional integration, friendship and discovery of future stars capable of representing Nigeria on the international stage.
The state government reiterated its commitment to investing in sports and youth development, highlighting that collaboration with the NBBF and other stakeholders would help nurture emerging talent and create opportunities for young people across the region.
The commissioner also highlighted Ebonyi’s recent successes in sports, citing the progress of the Abakaliki Basketball Club and other sports initiatives under the administration of Governor Nwifuru as evidence of the government’s determination to make the state a major sporting destination in Nigeria.
Declaring the tournament open, he urged teams from Ebonyi, Enugu, Imo, Anambra and Abia states to compete in the spirit of fair play and sportsmanship, expressing confidence that the championship will strengthen regional ties and contribute to the continued growth of basketball in the South East.
SEBA MEDIUM
