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AFD AND NBA AFRICA EXPAND BASKETBALL EXPERIENCE PROGRAM IN NIGERIA

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Adamawa, Jigawa schools win Milo Basketball zonal championships

AFD AND NBA AFRICA EXPAND BASKETBALL EXPERIENCE PROGRAM IN NIGERIA

By: Michael Mike

NBA Africa and the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) today announced the official launch of the Jr. NBA & AFD Basketball Experience program in Lagos.

The flagship initiative, which was introduced in Lagos in November 2021 as a pilot program, aims to use basketball as a platform to promote social inclusion and support secondary school children to become changemakers in their local communities.  

The program’s weekly basketball and life skills sessions will educate youth participants about issues including physical wellbeing, mental health, life skills and healthy living. As part of the initiative, with the support of new partners, including the Lagos State Sports Commission, the collaboration will also support the renovation of outdoor basketball courts in Lagos and scale-up the program to reach more youth across the city.

The announcement was made at an official ceremony in the presence of H.E. French Ambassador to Nigeria, Emmanuelle Blatmann; AFD Director for Nigeria, Xavier Muron; NBA Africa Vice President & Country Head of Nigeria, Gbemisola Abudu; Dream Sports Africa’s (DSA) Nigeria Country Director, Michael Anejo and representatives of the Lagos State Government.

“This program demonstrates AFD and NBA Africa’s shared vision of using sport as a tool to foster gender inclusion, sustainable development and social cohesion in Nigeria,” said Muron.  “After the successful first steps in Lagos, we look forward to continuing to work with NBA Africa and engaging with the Lagos State Government to expand the initiative to other parts of the city.”

“The benefits and values that come from playing basketball extend far beyond the court, which is why we are committed to making the game more accessible to Nigerian youth,” said Abudu.  “Nigeria has a strong basketball tradition, and through the Jr. NBA & AFD Basketball Experience program, we are able to create more places where youth can learn the game and develop as players and leaders.”

Also Read: https://dailypost.ng/2022/10/08/iswap-kills-8-boko-haram-members-seizes-large-quantities-of-ammunition/

This flagship initiative, which is part of AFD and NBA Africa’s larger collaboration to support basketball infrastructure in youth development across the continent, builds on the inaugural Jr. NBA & AFD Basketball Experience launched in Zenata, Morocco in 2019.  In November 2021, AFD and NBA Africa initiated a pilot phase in Lagos implemented by international non-governmental organization DSA.  To date, the pilot phase has reached more than 21,000 boys and girls ages 12-17 from 55 public and private schools in Lagos State.

About AFD

AFD is France’s inclusive public development bank.  It commits financing and technical assistance to projects that genuinely improve everyday life, both in developing and emerging countries, and in the French overseas territories.  Its action is fully in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).  Through its network of 85 agencies, AFD operates in 115 countries, where it is currently financing, supervising and supporting over 4,000 development projects. afd.fr

About NBA Africa

NBA Africa is a standalone entity formed in May 2021 that conducts the NBA’s business in Africa, including the Basketball Africa League (BAL).  The NBA has a long history in Africa and opened its African headquarters in Johannesburg, South Africa in 2010 before opening additional offices in Dakar, Senegal, and Lagos, Nigeria.  The league’s efforts on the continent have focused on increasing access to basketball and the NBA through youth and elite development, social responsibility, media distribution, corporate partnerships, NBA Africa Games, the BAL, and more.

NBA games and programming are available in all 54 African countries, and the NBA has hosted three sold-out exhibition games on the continent since 2015.  The BAL, a partnership between the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and NBA Africa, is a professional league featuring 12 club teams from across Africa that completed its second season in May 2022.  Fans can follow @NBA_Africa and @theBAL on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.

AFD AND NBA AFRICA EXPAND BASKETBALL EXPERIENCE PROGRAM IN NIGERIA

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Troops intercept 11 youths with donkeys during patrol in Borno

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Troops intercept 11 youths with donkeys during patrol in Borno

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of 68 Battalion have intercepted 11 youths during a routine patrol in Mallam Fatori area of Abadam Local Government Area of Borno State.

Security sources said the interception occurred along the Bulagana–Cheisa axis on April 2 during ongoing clearance operations in the area.

According to the sources, the individuals were found moving in the area with 12 donkeys when they were stopped and briefly interrogated by troops.

The sources added that the youths were later handed over, alongside the animals, to relevant authorities in a neighbouring country for further necessary action.

The military said the patrol was part of sustained efforts to maintain security dominance and prevent exploitation of border communities by criminal elements.

Troops intercept 11 youths with donkeys during patrol in Borno

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Troops recover ammunition, logistics items in Kwara patrol operation

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Troops recover ammunition, logistics items in Kwara patrol operation

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of the Nigerian Army under the 22 Brigade have recovered ammunition and other logistics items during a fighting patrol in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State.

A security source disclosed that the operation was conducted at about 4:00 p.m. on April 2 at Daban Lema, where troops of the brigade, operating from the Patrol Base, encountered signs of suspected terrorist activities in a deserted location.

According to the source, the troops immediately carried out exploitation of the area, leading to the recovery of four rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and one empty PKT ammunition belt link.

Other items recovered include four mobile phones, two head warmers, two small solar panels, and assorted repair tools believed to have been used by the suspected terrorists.

The source added that the recovery indicates the presence and movement of suspected criminal elements within the area, noting that troops have intensified surveillance and patrols to deny them freedom of action.

Troops recover ammunition, logistics items in Kwara patrol operation

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Troops foil attack by Criminal Youths, rescue victims, arrest suspects in plateau

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Troops foil attack by Criminal Youths, rescue victims, arrest suspects in plateau

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Sector 1, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), have foiled an attack on residents at Dutse Uku in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State.

A security source said the troops responded swiftly to a report of sporadic gunshots in the area at about 11:50 p.m. on April 2.

According to the source, upon arrival at the scene, the suspected criminals fled, abandoning their operation due to the prompt intervention of the troops.

He said the troops rescued two victims who sustained gunshot wounds during the incident and immediately evacuated them to a hospital for medical attention.

The source further disclosed that two suspects, dressed in black attire, were arrested at the scene.

Items recovered from the suspects include a cutlass and a knife.

He added that the suspects are currently in military custody and undergoing preliminary investigation, while efforts are ongoing to track down other fleeing members of the group.

Zagazola report that despite heightened security, there has been report of pocket of attacks in some communities.

The source reassured residents of the military’s commitment to protecting lives and property and urged the public to continue providing timely information to security agencies.

Troops foil attack by Criminal Youths, rescue victims, arrest suspects in plateau

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