By Odita Sunday
The Honourable Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa has unveiled plans to establish a South East Regional Basketball Championship as part of efforts to identify and develop young sporting talents, while announcing a ₦2 million donation to support a grassroots basketball camp in Abia State.
The announcement was made in Umuahia at the end of the Minister’s three-day official working visit to Abia State, where he visited the Umuahia Township Stadium and interacted with participants at the inaugural multi-age basketball camp organised by the Crossover Foundation, spearheaded by Nigerians in the diaspora and basketball stars, the Achiuwa brothers.
General Musa commended the Crossover Foundation and the Abia State Government for collaborating to expand youth sports development, describing the initiative as a model for nurturing future champions. An avid basketball enthusiast, the Defence Minister announced an immediate donation of ₦2 million to support the camp’s activities.
He disclosed that the proposed South East Regional Basketball Championship would provide a platform for talented young players from all five South-East states to compete, gain exposure and advance their sporting careers.
The Minister urged parents to encourage their children to participate in organised sports, stressing that athletics remain a vital tool for promoting discipline, leadership, teamwork and national unity.
General Musa also revealed that the Armed Forces of Nigeria would soon commence targeted sports recruitment programmes designed to provide talented young athletes with opportunities to pursue careers in the military while developing their sporting potential.
In appreciation of his support for youth sports development, the organisers presented the Honourable Minister with a signed basketball on behalf of NBA player Precious Achiuwa.
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