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PRESS RELEASE 

NSC DG Lauds Gov. Abiodun, BetKing on Hosting Wheelchair National Basketball Championship*  

Assures Ogun State will deliver world-class sports festival in May

The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, has commended the Government of Ogun State and BetKing for their outstanding support in hosting the BetKing 3×3 National Wheelchair Basketball Championship, currently taking place at the Alake Sports Centre in Ijeja, Abeokuta.

Speaking at the event, Hon. Olopade expressed his admiration for the steady growth of wheelchair basketball in Nigeria, praising the federation, private sector investors and the Government for their dedication and commitment.

“I fell in love with this sport 15 years ago and I am here to give my full support to this championship,” he said. “I’ve been very impressed with what I’ve seen. It shows the growth of wheelchair basketball. Seyi  Johnson, and that the federation board members are doing an amazing job. This event has been organized to select the best players who will represent Nigeria in Agadir in two months, so it deserves the interest it is generating.”

The NSC DG noted the increased participation and competitiveness of more state teams this year. “I’ve seen states with formidable teams here, which wasn’t the case a few years ago. Traditional powerhouses like Oyo, Lagos, and Delta must watch out.”

Highlighting the importance of inclusivity in sports, the DG emphasized that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda supports initiatives that create space for persons that are differently abled.

“These are determined individuals who form an integral part of our RHINSE initiative — everyone has a place to foster sports development,” he added.

He praised the transformation of the Alake Sports Centre and commended Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON, for his commitment to sports development. “The governor is a man I have come to admire deeply. What this arena has become in just one year reflects the state’s dedication to advancing sports. His presence at this competition further shows Ogun State's readiness to host a world-class National Sports Festival.”

The DG also appreciated BetKing’s continued sponsorship of wheelchair basketball. “One cannot overstate what BetKing has done for this sport over the last five years. Their consistent support has been massive, and we sincerely thank them for it.”

The BetKing 3×3 National Wheelchair Basketball Championship runs from April 3 to 7, 2025, with national team selectors looking out for impressive talents.

SIGNED:

Kola Daniel,
S.A, Media,
Office of the Director General, 
National Sports Commission (NSC).
April 5, 2025.