By Wakawaka Sports
The South East Basketball Association (SEBA) has responded to concerns raised by Mr. Ayo Bakare over the relocation 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 any particular state.
In a statement signed by Kennedy Onwunali, Media Manager of the South East Basketball Association, the body said while Bakare’s concerns as a basketball stakeholder are respected, issues surrounding security must be viewed from a national perspective.
Onwunali questioned why Enugu was being portrayed as unsuitable for hosting the competition on security grounds, asking why similar considerations were not raised about other locations hosting sporting activities.
“Security challenges are national issues and affect different parts of the country. It is therefore unfair to single out Enugu as though it is the only location facing such realities. The same standard should apply to every state and every sporting venue,” he said.
The SEBA media manager also pointed to recent security incidents in Lagos, including reports of the kidnapping and killing of a senior security officer, arguing that such incidents do not automatically make Lagos unsafe for sporting events.
“Would 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 safety measures,” Onwunali added.
Reacting further to the security argument, SEBA questioned what position was taken when Ibadan hosted the first phase of the league despite also having security concerns.
“If security is the deciding factor, what was the response when Ibadan was selected to host the first phase of the league? Was Ibadan considered unsuitable at that 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 preparation to host the National Sports Festival, which is expected to bring together thousands of athletes, officials, and administrators.
SEBA further dismissed suggestions that the venue change was connected to politics or personal interests, saying the move should be seen as part of efforts to expand basketball development across different regions.
“The growth of Nigerian basketball requires that different regions are given opportunities to host and promote the sport. Expanding beyond traditional locations 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.
