President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated the Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), Mustapha Abdullahi, on his election as President of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF).

The President described Abdullahi’s emergence as an opportunity to strengthen basketball development in Nigeria and advance the sport’s administration at all levels.

Tinubu urged the new NBBF president to deploy his experience, leadership qualities and commitment to building a stronger federation while creating more opportunities for young Nigerian basketball players to excel nationally and internationally.

He also called on stakeholders across the basketball community, including players, coaches, administrators, sponsors and supporters, to support the new leadership and work collectively towards developing a more competitive and professionally managed federation.

The President emphasised the importance of prioritising athletes’ welfare, effective talent identification and the growth of both men’s and women’s basketball as critical components of sustainable development.

“The new NBBF leadership should emphasise the improvement of the welfare of athletes, effective talent identification and the promotion of both men’s and women’s basketball as essential pillars for the sustained growth of the sport,” Tinubu said.

He further expressed confidence that collaboration among stakeholders would help improve the standard of basketball in the country and provide a stronger platform for emerging talents.

Tinubu wished Abdullahi a successful tenure, reaffirming the Federal Government’s recognition of sports as an important vehicle for youth empowerment, national unity and international engagement.

“I wish the new NBBF Boss a successful tenure and assure him of the Federal Government’s continued recognition of sports as an important platform for youth empowerment, national unity and international engagement,” the President added.

Abdullahi’s election places him at the helm of Nigerian basketball, with expectations that his administration will strengthen the federation’s structures, improve athlete development and enhance the country’s competitiveness on the international stage.