… as participants urged to build career in basketball officiating
A three-day referees and technical officials clinic organised by the Amateur Basketball Academies (ABA) has begun in Abuja.
Tagged ” Dream Alive”, the clinic, targeting boys and girls aged 17 to 25 years and currently in schools, was to build young officiating officials who will catch up with the new international standard and to also develop into young and effective basketball referees.
Addressing the participants, President and founder ABA, Deputy Comptroller of Customs, Aliyu Abubakar, charged the participants to see their participation in the clinic as an opportunity to build a career for themselves.
Aliyu, while urging the participants to see themselves as critical stakeholders that are important to the development of the game, also enjoined the trainees to see the event as a way of fulfilling their dreams.
He said, “While players often receive the spotlight, every successful basketball competition depends on competent referees and technical officials who ensure fairness, professionalism, discipline and adherence to the rules of the game.
“The vision of the Amateur Basketball Academies has always been to discover, nurture, and develop talents at every level of the basketball ecosystem. This vision goes beyond identifying talented players. It includes coaches, referees, table officials, statisticians, commissioners, and administrators. We firmly believe that a complete basketball development programme must empower every stakeholder involved in the game.”
The “Dreams Alive” initiative is more than just a training programme. It is a movement designed to inspire young Nigerians who have a passion for basketball but may not necessarily become players. Through this initiative, we are opening new pathways for careers in sports officiating, technical administration and sports management and our objective is clear.”
ALSO READ: Basketball: ABA to hold referees’ clinic in Abuja
While congratulating the participants, the ABA President informed them that their selection was not accidental, saying it was a recognition of their passion and willingness to serve the game of basketball and also encouraged them to approach every lecture, practical session and assessment with dedication and an open mind.
Also speaking, FIBA Referees Instructor, Nuhu Samuel, warned that the 3- day clinic will be rigorous as the participants will undergo both class and practical sessions.
According to him, it was to provide them with technical knowledge required for modern basketball officiating as it will expose them to contemporary interpretations of basketball rules and mechanics.
About 25 students from different basketball academies in the Federal Capital Territory and Kano State are taking part in the clinic.
The clinic, which commenced on Thursday, 9th July, will end on Saturday, 11th July, 2026.
Other board members who graced the occasion include Coach Adeka Daudu, Coach Emmanuel Odah, Coach Alex Ujoh, Coach Oyekan Oyedeji, Kayode Adeniyi and the Secretary of the board, Genevieve Ogechi Ihenewengwa,
