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The Nigeria Basketball Federation, NBBF, North Central on Saturday, 20th April, 2024 honoured Hon Dr Suleiman Yahaya Kwande, the Chairman of the Plateau State Football Association, with an award of excellence as fitting tribute to his contributions for the development of basketball in the North Central region in a brief but colourful ceremony held at the Open Basketball Court, Rwang Pam Township Stadium, Jos.
Hon Dr Kwande has long been an ardent supporter of basketball in Nigeria, and his dedication to the game has not gone unnoticed.
Recounting Kwande’s immense support for the sports, Federation through Prof A.A Yakassai said “since his days at NFF as a board member and now as the Chairman of the Plateau State Football Association, his efforts have helped to increase participation in basketball and have provided opportunities for young athletes to showcase their talents. He has perfectly fused football and basketball together”
Justifying the award, the organizers said “the award of excellence given to Hon Dr Kwande is a well-deserved recognition of his hard work and dedication to the sport. It is a testament to his commitment to the development of basketball in the North Central region and his efforts to support and promote the game at all levels”.
Receiving the award, before taking turn to decorate, Bishop Benjamin Kwashi, a fellow awardee, Hon Dr Kwande also generously donated 10 basketballs to the regional body.
Speaking to NTA Crew immediately after the ceremony, the PFA Chairman said “Sports generally is a unifying factor and we in particular have been using football to unite the people. But two are better than one, hence supporting basketball to flourish in the region will provide a complementary platform for uniting people”
“This donation will help to provide much-needed equipment for basketball programs in the region and will enable more young athletes to participate in the sport.
The ceremony was attended Barr Rebecca Shasheet, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Prof Ezra Gunen, Plateau State Director of Sports, Bishop Benjamin Kwashi, Anglican Bishop of Jos amongst several other top sports administrators
