Dikko Urges Unity As NBBF Elects New Board, Says ‘New Era’ Begins

…Kida pledges support for successor, says he leaves office fulfilled

Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, has urged stakeholders in Nigerian basketball to put aside their differences and unite behind the new leadership of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), declaring that the federation must enter a new era of growth and development.

Dikko made the call on Thursday at the NBBF elective congress held at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja, where delegates gathered to elect a new board to succeed the outgoing administration of Musa Ahmadu Kida.

The NSC chairman said the election provided an opportunity for stakeholders to end the divisions that had characterised the federation’s recent history and work together towards a common goal.

“Today is the day to show that we are for basketball. Whatever it is, let’s put the ball stop here and see how we can move forward together as one family,” Dikko said.

He noted that while stakeholders might have supported different candidates during the election, the outcome should mark the beginning of a united administration focused on advancing the sport.

“Somebody is going left, somebody is going right, somebody is going back, but for the next four years, we will be speaking from the same time and the same situation,” he said, stressing the need for a common direction.

Dikko also acknowledged the role of the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) in supporting the development and administration of Nigerian basketball, urging stakeholders to sustain their cooperation with the world governing body.

He said the NSC was committed to providing the necessary support to enable basketball to grow, expand participation and create opportunities for young people across the country.

The chairman added that the development of the sport required collective commitment from administrators, players and other stakeholders, regardless of their differences during the electoral process.

Dikko’s remarks came amid tensions surrounding the NBBF election, which had been preceded by disagreements over the electoral process and concerns about fairness and inclusiveness.

Meanwhile, outgoing president of NBBF Musa Kida expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu, Shehu Dikko, the NSC’s Director-General and basketball stakeholders for their contributions during his eight-year tenure.

The outgoing NBBF president described the journey as challenging but said he was leaving office with a sense of fulfilment, believing that his administration had laid a foundation for future development.

“It has been a very tight block, but Alhamdulillah, we are here today,” Kida said.

He commended the delegates for remaining committed to the process despite the difficulties surrounding the election, noting that their attendance demonstrated their continued interest in the sport.

Kida also acknowledged the presence of state directors of sports, saying their participation reflected the importance attached to basketball across the country.

Reflecting on his tenure, he said he had invested considerable time, resources and passion in developing the game.

“I personally have given the best shot that I could have. I have invested my time, I have invested my resources and passion in order for us to grow this game. I am stepping down full of pride and with a huge sense of fulfilment,” he said.

Kida expressed confidence that the incoming board would build on the achievements of his administration, describing the elective congress as a watershed moment in Nigerian basketball.

He also pledged to support whoever emerged as his successor, irrespective of the outcome of the election.

“I want to assure you that no matter who wins the elections, I will give you my unbiased support when you need it, if you need it, and most especially if you ask for it,” he said.

Kida further highlighted what he described as significant achievements during his eight years in office, particularly in domestic competitions.

He cited the continued organisation of the women’s Premier League and developments in the men’s league as part of the progress recorded under his leadership.

The outgoing president said the experience gained during his tenure should serve as a foundation for the next board as it seeks to address the challenges facing Nigerian basketball.

With the election marking the end of Kida’s eight-year leadership, attention will now turn to whether the incoming administration can unite stakeholders, strengthen domestic competitions and translate Nigeria’s basketball potential into sustained progress.