By Ikenna Nwokedi
The Jordan Nwora Foundation on Tuesday, 4th July 2023 appreciated Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo for his support to sports development in the state while presenting a customized Basketball Jersey to him.
The colourful occasion held at the Onitsha Shopping Mall arena was during the grand finale of the one-week long annual elite basketball camp for basketball players between the ages of 14 and 18 drawn from the five South Eastern states and South South.
Reacting during the occasion, His Excellency, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo described the moment as another special day in the lives of the young ones who took part in the Elite Basketball Camp which is a way of giving back to the system through human capital development albeit Basketball under the umbrella of sports.
Governor Soludo who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Ernest Ezeajughi appreciated Jordan Nwora Foundation for instituting the programme which is what the administration of Mr. Governor, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo harps on, the philosophy of ‘Akuluo Uno’.
Governor Soludo averred that the young ones now have the opportunity to learn Basketball methodologies and latest trends in line with Federation of International Basketball Association (FIBA) ethos.
Gov. Soludo urged the Foundation to partner with the Anambra State Sports Development Commission (ASSDC) to enhance the growth of the game of Basketball in the state.
The number one citizen of the state highlighted that Government cannot do it all but as individuals, duty calls to play quality ole in the aspect of human capital development and society building.
On his part, the President of Federation of International Basketball Association (FIBA) Africa Zone 3, Col. Sam Ahmedu (Rtd) described the elite basketball camp as a brainchild of the Jordan Nwora Foundation aimed at training youths of Anambra and environs in Basketball methodologies and all that they need to know about the game.
Col. Ahmedu, who is a member of Nigeria Basketball Federation, revealed that the Elite Basketball Camp which is in its third edition has grown in leaps and bounds with nine players gaining scholarships to the USA to play the game.
He also disclosed that apart from Onitsha, the camp also holds in Lagos, Abidjan (Ivory Coast) and Ghana.
He commended Jordan Nwora, a professional basketball player in the NBA, for giving the youths the opportunity to tap from his wealth of experience and enhancing the growth of the game.
In his reaction, Chief Patrick Estate Onyedum, Chairman Anambra State Sports Development Commission eulogized Jordan Nwora for giving back to the society through his foundation. The Anambra Sports boss also commended the Nwora family for their support to the foundation and contributions towards the game of Basketball in Nigeria.
Chief Onyedum stated that the ASSDC applauds such initiative as all hands must be on deck in ensuring that sports development in the state is taken to the next level.
He also informed that the ASSDC is ready to go into partnership with firms and organizations that are keen in promoting sports growth and development in the state.
Also speaking, a Basketball Coach and former Senior Special Assistant to the Governor, Hon. Nneka Okeke disclosed that Jordan Nwora Foundation has come down to Africa to train and empower the youths through sports with Basketball taking the lead.
She admonished the young participants to make the best of the opportunity as they stand to gain scholarships from the project thereby becoming world stars and sports ambassadors.
Hon. Okeke disclosed that there are nine Nigerian Coaches and two American-born coaches who are part of the Elite Basketball Camp bringing in their wealth of experience towards the success of the project.
Highpoints of the occasion was basketball open play contest among the players, presentation of basketballs, certificates and full basketball kits to the young participants.
Also present during the occasion is the Special Adviser to Governor Soludo on Political Matters, Hon. Alex Obiogbolu; Director of Sports ASSDC, Madam Faith Okwonna; Director of Sports (Technical) ASSDC, Emeka Obidinma; Veteran Sports Journalist and Media Officer of the NBBF South East zone, Osondu Ngwude and various stakeholders in the game of basketball.
