Hon. Ben Kure receives D-Block Basketball Academy management on a courtesy visit
The Honourable Commissioner for Sports Development, Kaduna State, Hon. Ben Kure, has pledged to bring his wealth of experience to bear on the revival of grassroots basketball across the State, assuring stakeholders that his door remains open to any initiative capable of promoting unity and development in Kaduna.
The Commissioner gave the assurance on Saturday at his office in Kaduna, where he received the management of D-Block Basketball Academy, who had called on him to formally congratulate him on his recent appointment by His Excellency, Senator Uba Sani, Executive Governor of Kaduna State.
Present at the meeting was the Senior Special Adviser to the Executive Governor on Sports Development, Hon. Mahmood Muhammad, who joined the Commissioner in receiving the Academy's delegation.
Responding to the felicitations, Hon. Kure commended the management of D-Block Basketball Academy for its sustained efforts in developing basketball in Kaduna State, describing the Academy's work at the grassroots as the kind of private initiative that complements Government's own investment in youth and sports.
Basketball in this State has talent; what it has lacked is structure. We intend to restore that structure, and my door is open to anyone who can help us bring unity and development to Kaduna,” the Commissioner said.
The Academy's delegation, led by Faruk Abba Kabir (General Manager), used the occasion to present the Academy's profile and record of achievements, and to outline areas of possible collaboration with the Ministry among them the revival of school and grassroots competitions, a structured talent pathway into State teams, capacity building for coaches and match officials, and the productive use of basketball facilities across the State.
D-Block Basketball Academy, based at Murtala Muhammad Square, Kaduna, is one of the most consistent grassroots basketball institutions in Northern Nigeria, with reigning championship titles in Kaduna, Bauchi and Zaria, and a growing girls' programme. The Academy is currently completing the renovation of the D-Block Basketball Arena to FIBA-regulation standard ahead of its forthcoming launch tournament.
The management of the Academy expressed appreciation to the Commissioner and the Senior Special Adviser for the audience and reaffirmed its readiness to support the Kaduna State Government in the development of sport and the productive engagement of young people.
