NDDC, Itex, UBA pledge support

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the classics, Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Timi Alaibe said that he was thrilled to see many youths putting their energy to good use and called on the youths of the Niger Delta to be active in the area of sports as it’s a veritable area which they can made great impacts.

“I wish to use this medium to call on the youths of the Niger Delta to embrace peace and use their raw energy and skills in the way players from all over Nigeria have shown with the Royal Hoopers basketball Classics.

“We have very talented players and there are programmes that can be of assistance to as many of them that want to participate. On the part of the NDDC, we promised last year to lift the Classics and we did with the beautiful features we’re seeing on ground today.

We don’t intend to stop here but have decided to do more for this championship in the coming year. It’s our hope that our youths apply themselves properly for good development of our society.

Speaking in the same vain, Aham Kevin Okoh, UBA’s regional director in Port-Harcourt, noted that they became part of the Classics as part of their social responsibility and more importantly because the NDDC were involved in the grooming of youths to lead a better life.

“The mere presence of the American coaches is enough encouragement for our youths to be involved with this programme.

They can use this as a springboard to greater things and with the potentials we have, there is no reason why our youths cannot re-channel their energies towards activities that can be more useful to their families and the community in general. It is a course we’re ready to continue to be part of in future events.

An elated Managing Director of Itex Furnitures, Tony Eziekel who saw some of the Games and was given a certificate for his support at the NDDC office on Aba Road, Port-Harcourt said he was proud to have been part of the programme and is willing to increase his support for the event come next edition.

“I took it that it was just a small event but what I’ve seen has given me the push to do more for the event. It’s a good one and the crowd is very encouraging.

You can count on me for more assistance in the years to follow. Coach Alex Nwora of the Global Sports Advantage and the other American coaches that have been part of this programme I thank them and say that they are always welcome,” he stated.