Kogi SWAN backs ECN boss for NBBF presidency

File photo: Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi MD Energy Commission of Nigeria.

The Kogi State chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria has thrown its weight behind the presidential ambition of the Director-General, Energy Commission of Nigeria, Dr Mustapha Abdullahi ahead of the forthcoming Nigeria Basketball Federation election.

Acting Chairman of Kogi SWAN, Olatunde Odimayo, said the time had come for sports stakeholders to support candidates with the vision, competence and capacity to reposition Nigerian sports, particularly basketball.

In a statement issued in the early hours of Thursday and personally signed by Odimayo, he described Abdullahi, popularly known as DAM, as a candidate with the experience, exposure and leadership capacity required to take Nigerian basketball to greater heights.

According to him, Abdullahi’s background in basketball administration, combined with his experience as Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, puts him in a position to introduce innovative ideas and effective management to the NBBF.

Abdullahi is also the Chairman of the Kogi State Basketball Association, while the Kogi State Government has previously expressed its commitment to working with the association to advance the development of basketball across the state.

“It is high time we support the candidature of Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi. He has demonstrated passion for basketball development and possesses the administrative and professional capacity required to reposition the game in Nigeria,” Odimayo said.

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He added that Nigerian basketball needed leadership capable of strengthening grassroots development, improving infrastructure, promoting talent discovery and enhancing the welfare of players, coaches and other stakeholders.

Abdullahi’s campaign has focused on providing a fresh direction for Nigerian basketball, with emphasis on innovation, institutional discipline, youth development, infrastructure, corporate investment and stronger partnerships.

His DAM Foundation has also supported grassroots basketball through competitions and other development initiatives, including the annual DAM Foundation Basketball Championship in Okene, Kogi State.

The NBBF elective congress is scheduled for October 15, 2026, when delegates will elect a new leadership to steer the affairs of Nigerian basketball.

Kogi SWAN expressed confidence that Abdullahi, if given the mandate, would help consolidate the gains recorded in Nigerian basketball while creating a stronger and more sustainable pathway for the development of the sport.