By Ijeoma Okigbo
Mustapha Abdullahi, a candidate for the presidency of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), says Nigerian basketball needs unity and results-driven leadership to achieve sustainable growth.
Abdullahi said developing the sport requires the collective efforts of players, coaches, officials, administrators, stakeholders and young talents.
He told newsmen in Abuja on Wednesday that effective leadership must create room for participation while bringing diverse interests together around clear objectives.
“Sustainable progress is rarely achieved in isolation. It comes from bringing people together and creating an environment where everyone can contribute.
“Every stakeholder has a role to play in developing Nigerian basketball, and leadership must provide the confidence and structure for those contributions to thrive,” he said.
Abdullahi said Nigerian basketball had enormous talents and potential, but stronger collaboration among stakeholders was needed to maximise them.
He said leadership should prioritise the collective development of the sport and ensure that decisions are translated into tangible outcomes.
“Leadership is not simply about occupying a position. It is about the impact created while serving and what becomes possible because of the responsibility entrusted to you.
“For me, achievement means turning opportunities into outcomes, challenges into solutions and responsibilities into platforms for sustainable development,” he said.
The candidate said his experience in public-sector responsibilities had strengthened his commitment to results-oriented leadership and institutional development.
Abdullahi served as Senior Technical Assistant to the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology before becoming Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN).
He said his experience in youth mobilisation, sports-sector coordination and public service had reinforced his belief in teamwork, accountability and delivery.
“I believe everyone should have the opportunity to contribute from their position. When people understand their roles and work toward a common goal, the entire team becomes stronger.
“That is the kind of leadership I want to bring to Nigerian basketball — one that unites people, builds confidence and delivers measurable results,” he said.
Abdullahi referenced the words of renowned American basketball coach Nell Fortner, who said: “If you can learn to lead from your position, you will always have an important role on a team.”
He said the principle reflected his understanding of leadership as a collective responsibility in which every stakeholder had a role in achieving institutional and sporting success.
Abdullahi urged members of the basketball community to support a leadership approach anchored on unity, inclusion, accountability and measurable results.
He said these principles would be critical to building a stronger federation and creating a more sustainable future for Nigerian basketball.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the NBBF election is scheduled for October.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Joseph Edeh