BREAKING: After Months Of Intrigues, Engr. Ahmadu Musa Kida Re-elected NBBF President For Another 4 Years
After months of intrigues that nearly put the country on the verge of being axed by the International Basketball Federation (FIBA), the Elective Congress of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) was finally held in Benin, Edo State, south-south Nigeria on Monday to beat the deadline given by the basketball world governing body.
At the Congress, which is ongoing as at the time of filing this report, Engr. Ahmadu Musa Kida was returned to continue as the President of the NBBF for another four years by the delegates during the Congress which was declared open by the Deputy Governor of Edo State, Rt Hon Philip Shaibu, who was represented by his Senior Special Assistant, Mrs Sabina Chikere and statutorily observed by the relevant bodies which included FIBA representative, Ahmed Elhariri an official from the National Olympic Committee (NOC) and yet to be named official from the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development.
P.M. EXPRESS reports that Kida was returned by the delegates from states across the federation with 37 votes, which translated to be unanimous votes for him to head the NBBF for the next four years.
For the Vice President post, another basketball veteran administrator, Babs Ogunade, was re-elected when he defeated former Nigerian international, Olumide Oyedeji with 30 against 7 votes while a vote was void.
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Babatunde Ogunade stepped down as South West representative on the floor of the election to pave way for ex-Nigerian international, Olumide Oyedeji who got the mandate of the six states in the zone.
The congress monitored by FIBA ably represented by Ahmed Elhariri (President of FIBA Zone 5 and member, FIBA Central Board) and Nigeria Olympic Committee’ represented by its second Vice President, Engr Ishaku Tikon.
Anambra State Basketball Association Chairman, Ugo Udezue was voted in as the South East representative on the board while Alhaji Abba Kaka got the nod of the North East zone representatives.
Surajo Yusuff was elected as the North West representative while Adamu Jalong got the backing of the North West delegates
In his acceptance speech, Kida thanked the delegates for the confidence reposed in him which is a challenge to do more after a successful first term in office
“I thank you for the confidence reposed in me by your vote and my acceptance to continue to serve, I am in no doubt that the task ahead will be simple. However, no task is insurmountable if we put our minds to it and forge ahead together”.
He seized the opportunity to call on all stakeholders to join hands with the new NBBF board to move the game to greater heights.
“I assure you of our unflinching dedication as we hope to carry everyone along”.
“Regarding this electoral process, there is no Victor and no Vanquished. I am glad that this election was concluded without rancor and in the true spirit of sportsmanship. The only victor is Nigerian basketball”
He called on all aggrieved stakeholders to sheath their sword as the board is opened to meeting everybody with genuine questions and contributions to enable the sport move in the right direction.
Others sworn in include Victor Okoro (Military/Paramilitary), Col Samuel Ahmedu (International Representative), Prof Musa Yakassai (NapherSD).
Amongst dignitaries present at the Elective Congress were Mrs Sebina Chikere (Senior Special Assistant to the Edo State Deputy Governor) who represented the Edo State Government, Hon. Ibrahim Adam Iman (Taraba State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development), Hon. Goni Nukar Lawan (Yobe State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development).
