By Zainab Bakare
Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (Rtd), has announced plans to establish a South East Regional Basketball Championship aimed at discovering and developing grassroots basketball talent across the region.
The announcement is made in Umuahia at the end of the Minister’s three-day official working visit to Abia State.
According to a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Leah Katung-Babatunde, General Musa visited the Umuahia Township Stadium, where he interacted with young participants at the inaugural multi-age basketball camp organised by the Crossover Foundation.
The initiative is spearheaded by Nigerians in the diaspora alongside basketball stars, the Achiuwa brothers.
Commending the Crossover Foundation and the Abia State Government for their collaboration in promoting youth sports development, the Defence Minister and basketball enthusiast—announced an immediate donation of ₦2 million to support the camp’s activities.
He say the proposed South East Regional Basketball Championship will provide a major platform for identifying and showcasing talented young players from all five South-East states.
General Musa also encourage parents to support their children’s participation in organised sports, stressing that athletics help build discipline, leadership, teamwork, and national unity.
He further disclose that the Armed Forces of Nigeria will soon introduce targeted sports recruitment programmes to provide talented young athletes with opportunities to pursue careers in the military through sports.
As a mark of appreciation, the Minister was presented with a basketball signed by NBA player Precious Achiuwa on behalf of the camp organisers.
