By: Chinedum Ohanusi

Stakeholders in the county's basketball have welcomed reports, that the leadership of the National Sports Commission (NSC), have cleared the path to the impending elections for a new board of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF).

Speaking exclusively to Radio Nigeria's Chinedum Ohanusi, some stakeholders who include the  Chairman of the Plateau State Basketball Association, said they were happy that the log jam, or cloud of uncertainty hoovering around the elections have been expressly obiliterated, by the NSC. 

The Sports Commission had recently written to the President of the NBBF, Musa Ahmadu Kida, telling him in unequivocal tune, that the elections for a new board shall hold on January 26, 2026, and not a day later. 

Reacting to the policy direction issued on the electioms, a top  stakeholder from Taraba State said he believes the Commission made the right call, by  upholding the statutes of the NBBF constitution.

"Taking a firm position regarding the upcoming federation election, is truly commendable. For years, I have consistently emphasized that the most important element in resolving our challenges in adherence to the NBBF constitution, which was ironically signed by the President, Engr. Kida himself".

He added that for sometime now, rumours were circulating that Engr. Kida intended to extend his stay, but he did very little or nothing to dispel the concerns, either at the level of the board, or the congress, which has not met for a very long time now. 

"Instead of providing clarity or kick-starting the statutory processes leading to the elections in January, he allowed the uncertainty to linger. Meanwhile, basketball desperately needs a fresh start; because we [stakeholders] are not satisfied with how the sport has been administered in recent years, and we are certainly not convinced that the board has protected the interest of basketball in Nigeria, enough". 

In his own reaction, Chairman of Plateau State Basketball Association, simply said, fresh and more capable hands are needed, to inject new ideas, and driving progressive agendas, while restoring the impaired credibility, of the outgoing NBBF.

"Whether we admit it or not, the inefficiencies at the top cascaded downward, affecting state associations, grassroots development, and especially the growth of the men's and women’s domestic leagues", Dr. Chollom Lomak said.

Coincidentally, both Plateau and Taraba  States are amongst the few who have been able to float and sustain developmental basketball in their respective States. 

For instance, the Taraba JAMB League, has achieved considerable progress in its grassroots programmes, and many believe  the league is well-positioned to compete nationally, and globally. 

In his words, "what we desire is a well-structured system: better skill development pathways, more league games, expanded grassroots programmes, and robust capacity-building initiatives for technical officials, coaches, media personnel, and medical teams".

Likewise, Dr. Chollom is convinced basketball can be a full development package if placed in the right hands, and the position the NSC has taken by ordering an election, aligns with the aspirations of thousands of players, coaches, and match delegates nationwide. 

"It shows that someone is finally paying attention to their plight. We are on the right trajectory, and I am particularly encouraged by some of the names being mentioned as potential participants in the new process. 

Hopefully, the NBBF board will now pick up the gavel and immediately commence the processes that will lead to a credible and transparent election in January, Dr. Chollom concluded.