By Amaechi Agbo
A member of Taraba State House of Assembly, Hon. Tanko Abubakar Yusuf has enjoined basketball stakeholders to support the Amateur Basketball Academies, ABA, in their quest to rejuvenate the game of basketball in Nigeria.
Hon. Tanko, who also doubled as Chairman, Taraba State Basketball Association, stated this during the 2-day Coaching Clinic in Jalingo, the Taraba State capital. He reminded the participants that Taraba State coaches have what it takes to compete among their fellow colleagues both within and outside Nigeria. He commended ABA for organising the Coaching Clinic in Taraba State.
“ We know that we have talented coaches, so also the players as well as excellent referees, all we need is to stay focused and be united. We need to seek more knowledge and impact such knowledge on our players.”
President/ Founder, Amateur Basketball Academies, Deputy Comptroller, Nigeria Customs Service, Aliyu Lucky Abubakar urged the participants to embrace the new vision of the Association. He said the theme of the clinic is “DRIVE.”
“Our theme, “ DRIVE,” represents five essential qualities that every successful basketball coach must possess: diligence, respect, inspiration, value, and education. Through these, we can build a new generation of coaches capable of taking grassroots basketball in Nigeria to greater heights.”
DC Aliyu enjoined them to let their DRIVE be stronger than their challenges and character greater than their ambition as well as their commitment to develop young people beyond their personal recognition.
“ As coaches, we are teachers, mentors, leaders, role models, and guardians of the dreams of young athletes. Our responsibility goes beyond the basketball court. We are helping to shape the future of Nigerian basketball and, more importantly, the future of our young people.” He concluded.
Chairman, Taraba State Sports Development Commission, Coach Bulus Hussaini, who declared the clinic open, asked the coaches to take the opportunity provided by the training to change the game of basketball in Taraba State. He promised State government support and assistance when needed.
25 Academies Coaches are taking part in the clinic in which they will receive lectures on topics like Who is a Coach, Coaching ethics, Players/Coaches relationship, and Player’s development, among other topics
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