Basketball enthusiast extol LSBBA over awards
NAN-S-2
Basketball
By Babatunde Ogunrinde
Lagos Jan. 7, 2017(NAN) Some ex-basketball enthusiats have extolled the Lagos State Basketball Association (LSBBA) for honouring them with the Hall of Fame awards for their roles in the development of the game.
They told the News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) in Lagos that the recognition was heartfelt and well received.
Olakunle Delano a nonagenarian, who is the first ever chairman of the Lagos State Basketball Association alongside Ganiu Otenigbagbe his wife, Grace an ex-international, were among those honoured at a ceremony on Friday.
Also honoured were Major Babatunde Badmus, Laurence Adelanwa, late Joseph Garba, Mosunmola Eriko, Agboola Pinheiro, Coach Ayo Bakare, Toyin Sonoike and Col. Sam Ahmedu.
Delano expressed satisfaction over the award and prayed that the state would continue to excel in basketball and other sports.
“I am delighted over this. It is indeed awesome recognition and I thank the leadership of the current LSBBA, Babs Ogunade, for this recognition.
“May God continue to guide and lead the association to greater heights,” Delano said.
Otenigbagbe said, “It is good for people to appreciate those that have always done good for the development of the game and the nation.
“The future is very bright as the younger generations can see themselves so they know they just have to key into the success story.”
Also, Bakare said, “I am delighted about the awards, I thank the chairman, basketball is making progress and the future is very bright.
“It is indeed great to be counted as a worthy recipient of this award.”
“This is a testament of love for those who have given their best to the development of the game in the state.
“I am delighted for this and hope the younger generation will continue in the development process, “ Pinheiro said.
Babs Ogunade, the LSBBA Chairman, told NAN that it was a thing of honour to recognise those who have done great things for the state through basketball.
He said that history of basketball in the state and the nation as a whole could not be written if their names were not mentioned.
NAN reports that 33 coaches were awarded with certificates and licences to work having qualified through a rigorous clinic in November. (NAN)
BAO/FNO/OFN
Edited by Franca Ofili//Felix Nwadioha