……I Have Passed Through the System
By Aderonke Ojo
Former D’Tigers star and NBA draftee, Ejike Ugboaja, has formally declared his intention to contest for the presidency of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), pledging to champion reforms aimed at strengthening the domestic league, developing grassroots basketball and promoting transparency in the federation’s electoral process.
Ugboaja, who is also the President of the Ejike Ugboaja Foundation and a member of Nigeria’s 2012 Olympic basketball team, made his declaration during a media parley in Abuja, where he outlined his vision for the future of Nigerian basketball.
He said his decision to contest was driven by his long-standing involvement in the game and his desire to address what he described as persistent structural challenges affecting basketball development in the country.
“I am not a politician. I am not in government. I am a basketball player, and I want to fix Nigerian basketball because I want to take more young people off the streets,” Ugboaja said.
Ugboaja outlined agenda centred on league development, grassroots basketball and electoral reform.
Ugboaja criticised the current short league format, arguing that Nigerian players need a sustained and competitive domestic season to develop their careers.
He proposed an eight-month Premier League season, which he said would provide players with regular competitive action and create a stronger foundation for talent development.
“We cannot continue to play two-week leagues when we know how basketball is organised abroad,” he said.
The former national team player also pledged to strengthen grassroots basketball by expanding development programmes into secondary schools and universities.
According to him, a properly structured development pathway would give locally based players greater opportunities to progress from school and domestic basketball into the national team system.
Ugboaja called for an open, transparent and inclusive NBBF election, stressing that every legitimate stakeholder should have a fair opportunity to participate in the process.
He urged stakeholders to ensure that the federation’s constitution is applied fairly and not used to restrict legitimate participation.
“We cannot afford to make another mistake that will further push our basketball into the doldrums. This is the time for every stakeholder to rise and ensure that the right thing is done in the period leading to the election,” he said.
Ugboaja said his decision to seek the NBBF presidency is rooted in his first-hand experience of the Nigerian basketball system and his subsequent journey to the international stage.
In 2006, he was selected by the Cleveland Cavaliers with the 55th overall pick in the NBA Draft, after developing through Nigeria’s domestic basketball system.
“I am the only player from the Nigerian Premier Basketball League to have been drafted directly from the league into the NBA in 2006. Since then, no player has made that same journey,” Ugboaja said.
“That should tell us that something is fundamentally wrong and that there is an urgent need to restructure our basketball system.”
He added: that is why I have decided to come out and contest for the position of NBBF President. I have the will, the determination and, above all, the passion for this game.
“I have passed through the system, I understand where the problems are, and I believe I understand what needs to be done to fix them.
“This is the right time for me to step forward and play my part in turning Nigerian basketball around.”
With the NBBF election approaching in October, Ugboaja expressed concern about preparations for the poll and called for clarity around the electoral process.
He questioned the absence, at the time of his remarks, of an announced venue for the election and urged the relevant authorities to ensure that all aspects of the process are conducted openly.
Ugboaja also raised concerns over developments involving the leadership of some State Basketball Associations, citing Lagos and what he described as similar developments in Oyo State.
“We are aware of what is happening with attempts to remove some FA chairmen, as has happened in Lagos, and similar things are being attempted in Oyo State,” he said.
He pledged to oppose any attempt to impose leadership on legitimate basketball stakeholders.
“We will vehemently kick against imposition. I will go the extra mile to ensure that the right thing is done,” he declared.
Ugboaja also acknowledged the Federal Government’s investment in sports and called on the Nigeria Sports Commission to ensure that the NBBF electoral process reflects the principles of fairness and openness.
“I am happy with what President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has done for Nigerian sports. I do not believe any Nigerian President has invested so much in sports as he has done,” he said.
He appealed to Nigeria Sports Commission Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko and Director-General Bukola Olopade to ensure that the NBBF election process remains open and accessible to all legitimate stakeholders.
“I want the Nigeria Sports Commission, under the leadership of Mallam Shehu Dikko and Bukola Olopade, to ensure that the good work being done with the support of Mr. President is not rubbished in one day by people who simply want to perpetuate themselves in office.
“This election must be open and accessible to everyone. Every genuine stakeholder must be given a fair opportunity to participate.”Basketball Belongs to All of Us”
For Ugboaja, the NBBF contest is ultimately about the future direction of Nigerian basketball rather than any individual.
“Nigerian basketball belongs to all of us. It cannot be the personal property of a few individuals,” he said.
“The game deserves transparency, accountability and a leadership that understands what is at stake.
“We have talented players, passionate coaches, dedicated administrators and millions of Nigerians who love basketball. What we need now is a system that gives those talents a genuine opportunity to thrive.
“This election must be about the future of Nigerian basketball — not about protecting individual interests.”
Ugboaja’s basketball journey began in Kaduna, where he represented the state at the 2001 National Sports Festival in Ibadan. His performances earned him a place with Yelwa Hawks before he moved to Union Bank Basketball Club, Lagos.
Five years later, he reached a historic milestone when the Cleveland Cavaliers selected him with the 55th overall pick in the second round of the 2006 NBA Draft.
He subsequently represented Nigeria at several major international competitions, including the 2006 Commonwealth Games, the 2007, 2009 and 2011 FIBA Africa Championships, and the 2012 London Olympic Games.
Beyond his playing career, Ugboaja has continued to contribute to basketball development through the Ejike Ugboaja Foundation, which provides young Nigerians with opportunities to develop their basketball abilities while pursuing education.
As the October NBBF election approaches, Ugboaja is calling on players, coaches, administrators, clubs, state associations and other legitimate stakeholders to take an active interest in the electoral process.
His central message is that Nigerian basketball requires a system built around development, transparency, accountability and opportunity.”The game must come first.”
