The Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) has signed a five-year sponsorship deal worth N150 million with Total E&P for the sponsorship of the men’s Divisions One and Two Leagues.
The event which took place on Tuesday in Lagos had in attendance the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, the Managing Director of Total E&P Nigeria Ltd Mr. Mike Sangster, NBBF president, Engr Musa Kida.
NBBF celebrates Ibekwe, Arizona Women Basketball Player of the Decade
Basketball restarts in China after coronavirus shutdown
Speaking at the event, Dare said he was impressed by the support of the company, even as he urged other companies and individuals to emulate Total while expressing his confidence that Team Nigeria will perform well at the Olympics.
“The signing of this MOU demonstrates once again the goodwill and corporate social responsibility of Total E&P Nigeria in identifying with basketball development in our country.
“I urge the board to continue in order to bring more laurels to Nigeria, exemplified by the fact that for the first time in the history of Basketball, Nigeria has qualified both the male and female National Teams for the forthcoming Olympic Games scheduled to hold in Japan next year.
“I’m confident that Nigeria will do well at the Olympics next year.
“For now, basketball is my number sport,” he said.
The Total boss, Sangster while announcing the five-year sponsorship fee said the company was committed to basketball and youth development in Nigeria.
In the same vein, NBBF president, Musa Kida said the MoU signed was not about him but the development of basketball in Nigeria.
“I want to sincerely thank you for your unrelenting support towards the development of basketball.
“Your support has put us in the right pedestal to get our players and technical crew to the right place.”
Kida assured that the sponsorship would outlive his tenure “Whether I win the next election or not, this sponsorship would be completely handed over to whoever becomes the next president of the NBBF.
“This is not about me or anyone, but the total development of Nigerian Basketball and our youths,” he assured.