Abuja:Mustapha Abdullahi, a candidate for the presidency of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), emphasizes the need for unity and results-driven leadership in Nigerian basketball to achieve sustainable growth.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Abdullahi stated that the development of basketball in Nigeria requires the collective efforts of players, coaches, officials, administrators, stakeholders, and young talents. He highlighted the importance of effective leadership in creating room for participation and uniting diverse interests around clear objectives.
Abdullahi noted that sustainable progress is achieved by bringing people together and fostering an environment where everyone can contribute. He emphasized that every stakeholder plays a crucial role in developing Nigerian basketball, and leadership must instill the confidence and structure necessary for these contributions to thrive.
Addressing the potential of Nigerian basketball, Abdullahi pointed out the need for stronger collaboration amon
g stakeholders to maximize the sport’s talents and opportunities. He stressed that leadership should focus on the collective development of basketball and ensure decisions lead to tangible outcomes.
Reflecting on his own experience, Abdullahi shared that his public-sector roles have strengthened his commitment to results-oriented leadership and institutional development. His previous positions include serving as Senior Technical Assistant to the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, and as Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN).
Abdullahi advocates for a leadership style that unites people, builds confidence, and delivers measurable results. He believes in the importance of teamwork, accountability, and delivery, asserting that everyone should have the opportunity to contribute from their position to strengthen the team as a whole.
He quoted renowned American basketball coach Nell Fortner, emphasizing leadership as a collective responsibility where
every stakeholder has a role in achieving institutional and sporting success. Abdullahi called on the basketball community to support a leadership approach grounded in unity, inclusion, accountability, and measurable results, which he considers essential for building a stronger federation and a sustainable future for Nigerian basketball.
The NBBF election is scheduled for October.