Defence Minister Unveils South-East Basketball Championship, Donates ₦2m to Youth Camp
Oru Leonard
UMUAHIA — The Honourable Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), has announced plans to establish a South-East Regional Basketball Championship as part of efforts to discover, nurture and develop young sporting talents across the region.
The Minister made the announcement after visiting the Umuahia Township Stadium at the end of his three-day official working visit to Abia State, where he interacted with participants at the inaugural multi-age basketball camp organised by the Crossover Foundation and sponsored by Nigerian diaspora basketball stars, Godsgift Achiuwa and Precious Achiuwa.
General Musa praised the collaboration between the Crossover Foundation and the Abia State Government in promoting youth development through sports, describing basketball as a powerful tool for empowering young people and fostering national unity.
An avid basketball enthusiast, the Defence Minister announced an immediate donation of ₦2 million to support the basketball camp and encouraged the participants to remain disciplined and committed to their sporting careers.
He explained that the proposed regional championship would bring together talented players from the five South-East states, providing a competitive platform for identifying future stars.
The Minister also urged parents to encourage their children to participate in organised sports, noting that athletics helps build discipline, leadership, teamwork and patriotism.
General Musa further disclosed that the Armed Forces of Nigeria would soon introduce targeted sports recruitment initiatives to provide outstanding young athletes with opportunities to pursue careers in the military while developing their sporting potential.
In appreciation of his support for youth sports development, the organisers presented the Defence Minister with a signed basketball at the end of the visit.
