By Silvernews
Ebonyi State on Friday took a significant step in its sports development drive as it hosted the maiden 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 runs from June 5 to 7, marks the first time Ebonyi is hosting a regional basketball tournament of such magnitude.
A major highlight of the event was the commissioning of the newly constructed Hon. Richard Idike Basketball Court, a facility expected to serve as a centre 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, noting that the championship reflects the growing profile of basketball in the zone.
He praised NBBF President Engr. Ahmadu Musa Kida for his contributions to the development of the game in Nigeria and also commended the South-East representative on the NBBF board, 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 the 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, stressing that collaboration with the NBBF and other stakeholders would help nurture emerging talents and create opportunities for young people across the region.
The commissioner also highlighted Ebonyi’s recent achievements in sports, citing the progress of Abakaliki Basketball Club and other sporting initiatives under Governor Nwifuru’s administration as evidence of the government’s determination to make the state a leading sports 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 would strengthen regional ties and contribute to the continued growth of basketball in the South-East.
SEBA MEDIA
