The Amateur Basketball Academies (ABA) has successfully concluded the maiden edition of its Referees and Technical Officials Clinic in Abuja, with organisers describing the programme as a significant milestone in the development of basketball officiating in Nigeria.
More than 25 young participants received certificates of participation after completing the intensive three-day training programme, held at the Old Parade Ground, Area 10, Abuja.
The clinic, facilitated by FIBA Referees Instructor Nuhu Samuel, combined classroom sessions with practical on-court instruction. Participants were trained in key aspects of basketball officiating, including court numbering, basic mechanics, positioning and movement, rotation, whistle use and timing, violations, fouls, game management, rules interpretation and the various categories of infractions.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, His Royal Highness, Eze Ifeanyi Eke, commended the participants for their commitment and resilience throughout the training, urging them to embrace continuous learning as they pursue careers in basketball officiating.
He encouraged the young officials to make productive use of digital resources to deepen their understanding of the game.
“Let me remind you that you can continue learning about basketball officiating through your phone. Instead of using it only for chatting or entertainment, use it to acquire more knowledge of the game. You are the future of Nigerian basketball,” he said.
Eze Eke also praised the Amateur Basketball Academies for organising the clinic, describing the initiative as a commendable step towards strengthening the sport at the grassroots.
President and Founder of the Amateur Basketball Academies, Deputy Comptroller Aliyu Lucky Abubakar, declared the clinic closed, describing it as a landmark achievement for the organisation.
According to him, the pilot programme, codenamed “Dream Alive”, marks not only the successful completion of an intensive learning experience but also the beginning of a new era in the development of basketball officiating in Nigeria.
“When we assembled here a few days ago, we shared a vision—to equip young, passionate Nigerians with the technical knowledge, practical skills and professional values required to officiate basketball to the highest standards. Today, I am proud to say that together, we have achieved that objective,” Abubakar said.
He stressed that the future of basketball extends beyond talented players, noting that every thriving basketball ecosystem depends on competent referees, efficient table officials, statisticians, commissioners, coaches and administrators.
“The Amateur Basketball Academies firmly believes that the future of basketball does not depend solely on talented players. Every successful basketball ecosystem is built on the strength of its human resources, and today, we have invested in that future,” he added.
Abubakar further revealed that ABA plans to establish a nationwide network of qualified basketball officials capable of serving at grassroots competitions before progressing to state, national, continental and international assignments.
Speaking on behalf of the participants, Terkiya Jimoh expressed gratitude to the organisers for providing the opportunity to acquire valuable officiating skills.
She said the knowledge gained during the three-day clinic would contribute significantly to improving basketball officiating in Nigeria.
Jimoh pledged that the newly trained officials would uphold the highest standards of fairness, honesty, courage, discipline, impartiality and respect for the rules of the game whenever they officiate.
The ceremony featured the presentation of certificates to all participants, while His Royal Highness Eze Ifeanyi Eke was honoured in recognition of his support for the initiative.
Among the dignitaries in attendance were the Vice Chairman of the Niger State Basketball Association, Danladi Abubakar; former national basketball player and retired Assistant Commissioner of Police, Hajiya Mariam; Assistant Comptroller of Customs, Mohammed Abba; Benjamin Hamma; and The Basketball Show television producer and presenter, Josiah Ahmedu.
