The Kogi State Chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has extended its warmest congratulations to Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi following his election as the new President of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF).
The association described Dr. Abdullahi’s victory as a pivotal turning point and a massive opportunity to revitalize basketball governance, infrastructure, and grassroots development across the nation.
Dr. Abdullahi, who serves as the Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), emerged victorious at the NBBF Elective Congress held on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja.
The election, which commenced at 10:00 AM, saw Dr. Abdullahi secure a decisive 40 out of 48 votes cast, defeating former D’Tigers captain Olumide Oyedeji (8 votes) and former international Ejike Ugboaja (0 votes). He succeeds outgoing president Musa Kida to lead the federation for a four-year tenure.
In an official joint statement released on Friday morning, October 16, 2026, in Lokoja, the leadership of Kogi SWAN expressed confidence in Dr. Abdullahi’s capacity to usher in transformational leadership.
”Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi’s election represents a strategic paradigm shift for Nigerian basketball. His impressive administrative track record, paired with a clear blueprint for structural reforms, makes his victory a significant win for sports development nationwide,” stated Bishop Bishop, Chairman of Kogi SWAN.
”We believe his presidency will bridge existing gaps between elite national team success and grassroots talent exposure, particularly across state chapters.”
Echoing the chairman’s sentiments, Austin Okai, Secretary of Kogi SWAN, highlighted the urgency of revitalizing local leagues:
”Nigerian basketball has needed fresh energy and transparent governance. With Dr. Abdullahi at the helm, we foresee sustainable corporate partnerships, capacity building for local coaches and referees, and a revival of the domestic collegiate and professional leagues.”
Dr. Abdullahi’s incoming administration faces immediate priorities as it steps into office to re-establish structured basketball leagues across tertiary institutions and local councils.
His administration will secure long-term corporate sponsorships for both the men’s and women’s national leagues. Sustain the international success of the national teams, including the world-ranked D’Tigress and D’Tigers.
Kogi SWAN reiterated its commitment to offering robust media support and constructive coverage to ensure the new NBBF executive board fulfills its electoral promises to the Nigerian sports fraternity.
