For choosing to hold its basketball talent hunt in Nasarawa State, the Jordan Nwora Foundation has been commended for its choice of the North-central State.
Governor Abdullahi Sule, during a special reception held in honour of a delegation from Jordan Nwora Foundation and Andoma of Doma Foundation at the Government House, Lafia, on Monday, 25th July, 2022 described the development as one of the best things to have happened to Nasarawa State in recent times.
“I want to thank you, most sincerely, for selecting Nasarawa State for this noble project. This means a lot to us.
“We have lots of talents and dreams in our State, and I am happy for the wonderful job that Jordan Nwora is doing today.
“I want to congratulate the youth for this golden opportunity that has come to their doorstep.”
He epitomized the motive behind converting the Lafia City Hall to a Sports Arena.
“Indeed, you have done us proud, and I am happy that we have made the right selection by converting our City Hall into a sports coliseum.
“Thank you for your kind words about the Lafia Sports Arena. My dream is actually to make the facility look like one of those renowned facilities in the world, accommodating various indoor sporting activities, even though this is going to take a while and some resources.
“I had the opportunity of visiting some renowned world facilities, especially in Houston, San Antonio, Boston Celtics, all in the United States of America, just name them, when I was still working in the Oil and Gas Company.”
Governor Sule applauded the Foundation and its founder, Jordan Nwora, for touching lives and society, positively, and prayed for the success of talents who would be discovered at the end of the scouting programme.
“Thank you for all the good job you have been able to do by touching the lives of the people. Nothing is more interesting than this.
“It’s our hope and prayer that the talents discovered here will be put through the necessary trainings so that they can achieve their dreams of playing in the NBA and fatherland because their success will bring prosperity to their families, Nasarawa State and Nigeria as a whole.”
Earlier, President of the Jordan Nwora Foundation, Hon. Anthony Nwora, told the Governor that the choice of Nasarawa State was premeditated as the State provides the best ambience for the impaction of basketball skills to the kids and coaches alike.
“Our journey here is a divine task to give back to the kids.
Nasarawa State is very peaceful, has a lot of talented youth, is secure, has a world-class and fantastic gymnasium, the people are hospitality, and above all, the State has a Governor who has a burning desire to develop sports and empower the youth.
“We believe that the kids and youth, especially the less privileged, are the future of the society, and helping them to achieve their dreams is our mainstay.
“We are here with our team from the United States of America and here in Nigeria to ensure that these kids get the best, both in basketball and education.
“Already, we are in talks with relevant stakeholders on how to properly utilize the Sports Arena here.
He thanked the Governor and the people of Nasarawa State for the warm reception accorded them, assuring to make the talent hunt programme an annual event.
Jordan Nwora Foundation’s souvenirs were presented to the Governor.
Other members of the Jordan Nwora Foundation include Rtd. Col. Sam Ahmadu(President, FIBA Africa Zone 3/Member, NBBF/Camp Commandant); Coach Alexander Nwora(Associate Head Coach, D’Tigers/Erie Community College, Buffalo, New York, USA); Omowunmi Saliu Rafiu ‘Kike'( lDirector, University of Delaware, USA); Spencer Gervasa(Asst. Coach, Cleveland College Buffalo, New York); Nick Sepe(Asst. Coach, Niagara Community College, Niagara, New York, USA); Musa Adamu(GM, D’Tigers); and Martina Emmanuel (Head Coach, Benue State Basketball Association/former D’Tigress).
Deputy Governor of Nasarawa State, Dr. Emmanuel Agbadu Akabe, members of the State Executive Council as well as Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Amb. Lucky Isaac Yargwa, alongside Management members of the State Ministry of Youth and Sports Development were in attendance.
Director of the Andoma Foundation, Professor Maikano Ari, represented the Andoma of Doma, HRH. Alh. Dr. Aliyu Ahmadu Ogah Onawo, with Ayuba Tijanni leading the delegation of the State Basketball Association.
The scouting programme began on Sunday, 24th July and will climax on Tuesday, 26th July, 2022, at the Lafia Sports Arena, Shendam road, by 3pm.
Jordan Nwora is a dual Nigerian-American citizen who plays for Nigeria’s Men’s D’Tigers and Milwaukee Bucks in the American NBA.
/Eche Amos
