By Silvernews
A member of the Division One and Media Committee of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), Mr. Kennedy Onwunali, has urged the Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma, to establish an independent panel to investigate the ongoing crisis within the Imo State Basketball Association. Onwunali, who is also the CEO of Silvernews Communication and the media manager for the association, emphasized that the committee, ideally headed by the state’s Commissioner of Sports, could help resolve the long-standing conflict that has plagued the association since the last NBBF election in Benin City.
According to Onwunali, the Imo State Basketball Association, under the leadership of Mr. Kelechi Anosike, has made significant strides in recent years. He highlighted the association’s achievements, including the establishment of a dedicated office after years of operating without one and the refurbishment of the basketball court in partnership with Imo-born players based abroad. The court’s fencing project, aimed at securing the facility, is also underway.
These accomplishments, Onwunali noted, were made possible by Anosike’s integrity and commitment, which have garnered the trust and support of players in the diaspora. Their contributions have played a crucial role in funding the association’s activities, such as the team’s participation in the National Youth Games in Asaba.
However, these positive developments have not been without challenges. Onwunali alleged that certain individuals and external groups, who previously exploited the association for personal gain without contributing to its progress, are attempting to undermine its current leadership. He cited the recent vandalism of advertisements at the basketball court as one of several acts of sabotage orchestrated by these forces.
To address these issues, Onwunali called for the arrest of those responsible for destroying the association’s property, stressing that such actions are detrimental to the state’s sporting development. He urged the state government to take decisive action to protect the association, which he described as a source of pride for Imo State.
“An independent investigation by the state government will go a long way in resolving the crisis and ensuring that the Imo State Basketball Association continues to thrive,” Onwunali stated.
He commended Mr. Kelechi Anosike’s selfless dedication to revitalizing basketball in the state and urged stakeholders to support the ongoing efforts to reposition the sport for the benefit of the youth and the state at large.
