By Joel Ajayi
The newly-elected President of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), Dr Mustapha Abdullahi, has pledged a new era of growth, unity and institutional reforms, with a focus on grassroots development, stronger domestic leagues, improved players’ welfare, better facilities, and investment in coaches and referees.
Abdullahi, President of the DAM Foundation and Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria on Thursday in Abuja, secured 40 of the 48 votes cast at the elective congress held at the International Conference Centre (ICC), defeating former D’Tigers captain Olumide Oyedeji, who polled eight votes, while former international Ejike Ugboaja received none.
Former presidential aspirant Igoche Mark had withdrawn from the race on Wednesday, citing concerns over the fairness and credibility of the electoral process.
Abdullahi succeeds outgoing president Musa Kida, while Ugo Udezue emerged as vice-president unopposed, having been the sole candidate for the position.
Other zonal representatives elected to the board include Fubara Fobika from the South-South, Babatunde Oguntade from the South-West, Yusuf Surajo from the North-East, Abubakar Abba Kaka from the North-West, and Abdullahi Mustafa from the North-Central.
In his acceptance speech, the new NBBF president described his election as an opportunity to reposition Nigerian basketball through strategic leadership, administrative reforms and sustainable development.
He expressed gratitude to the delegates who supported his candidacy, stressing that his victory belonged to players, coaches, officials and young Nigerians who aspire to build careers through basketball.
Recalling his early days in the sport, Abdullahi said his personal experiences, including playing without proper footwear and overcoming financial difficulties, had strengthened his determination to create better opportunities for upcoming players.
He emphasised that talent alone could not guarantee success without proper structures, institutional support and deliberate investment in the game.
“My presidency will mark a decisive departure from business as usual. We cannot keep doing things the same way and expect a different result,” he said.
Abdullahi identified grassroots development, stronger domestic leagues, players’ welfare, improved facilities and investment in coaches and referees as priorities of his administration.
He also promised to advance women’s basketball and strengthen the national teams, including D’Tigers, D’Tigress and the youth sides, while ensuring that basketball provides pathways to education, employment and entrepreneurship.
The new president further pledged to promote transparency, accountability and unity within the federation, calling on state associations, clubs and other stakeholders to support the reform agenda.
He said his administration would pursue partnerships with corporate organisations, private investors, international basketball institutions and Nigerians in the diaspora to make the sport commercially sustainable.
Abdullahi added that his administration would soon unveil a comprehensive implementation blueprint detailing its programmes, measurable targets and strategies for achieving sustainable progress.
He extended an olive branch to those who supported other candidates, insisting that the election should mark the beginning of collective efforts to move Nigerian basketball forward.
“The election is over; the work begins now. There will be no division in our pursuit of progress, no place for complacency, and no retreat from accountability,” he said.
Abdullahi stressed that his administration would be judged by its achievements, the institutions it strengthens and the opportunities it creates, expressing confidence that unity and collaboration would help Nigerian basketball realise its potential.
