NIGERIA. Abuja: President Mohammadu Buhari has enforced a two-year suspension and withdrawal of the Nigerian basketball team from all international basketball events due to the controversy that has rocked the sport’s development in Nigeria.
Sunday Dare, the Minister of Youth and Sports Development has announced the suspension, which takes effect immediately.
Ismail Abubakar, who ably represented the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, noted that a committee has already been formed to oversee all basketball-related activities in the country during the suspension period.
On the other hand, Dare stated that the Nigerian government’s decision to cease basketball operations in the country allows them to revive and rebuild the industry for optimal performance.
“This will also help the government concentrate on putting mechanisms in place to develop sport right from its grassroots and create a way for the domestic league which has been forgotten,” Dare added.
As a result, establishing an Interim Management Committee (IMC) to oversee the sector temporarily will advance the sport in the country, particularly at the grassroots level.
“Allowing the setting up of an Interim Management Committee (IMC) to oversee the management and development of the domestic basketball leagues in Nigeria will go a long way in enhancing the development of the league, especially from the grassroots,” Dare assured.
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