The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd) OFR, has announced plans to institute a comprehensive South East Regional Basketball Championship aimed at discovering and nurturing grassroots sports talent across the region.
General Musa made the disclosure in Umuahia after visiting the Umuahia Township Stadium at the conclusion of his three-day official working visit to Abia State.
A statement signed by Leah Katung-Babatunde Special Assistant (Media) to the Honourable Minister of Defence said the Minister spent time interacting with young participants at an inaugural multi-age basketball camp organized by the Crossover Foundation and sponsored by Nigerian diaspora basketball icons, Godsgift Achiuwa and Precious Achiuwa.
Commending the foundation and the Abia State Government for their synergy in expanding youth sports infrastructure, the Defence Minister, an avid basketball player himself announced an immediate donation of ₦2,000,000 to support the camp’s operations. He assured the young athletes that the upcoming regional championship will serve as a premier platform uniting emerging talent from all five South Eastern states.
Urging parents to actively encourage their children to participate in organised sports, General Musa emphasised the role of athletics in building character, leadership, and national cohesion. He also revealed that the Armed Forces of Nigeria will soon initiate targeted sports recruitment drives to offer promising young athletes dedicated pathways into the military.
As a sign of appreciation, the Honourable Minister was offered a signed basketball by the organisers.
