The Naval Officers’ Wives Association (NOWA), in collaboration with Amenomo Foundation, has completed a four-day basketball clinic organised for more than 400 kids in Calabar.
The four-day event was held at the basketball section of the U.J Esuene Sports Stadium in Calabar, the Cross River capital.
Speaking at the closing ceremony on Sunday in Calabar, Hajiya Nana Aisha-Gambo, wife of the Chief of the Naval Staff, said the event was organised to improve the mental capacity of the kids.
Aisha-Gambo, who is also the National President of NOWA, said it was a unique opportunity for her to be part of the ‘catch them young’ event.
According to her, the clinic has cultivated in the kids, the development of their hearts and minds towards building formidable sporting activities such as basketball.
She noted that generally, training and development helped organizations and individuals to gain and retain top talents, increase job satisfaction and morale among others.
“This worthy endeavour is an affirmation of our untiring efforts to provide desired training in order to improve the mental capacity and development of our children.
“NOWA has series of programmes instituted for our children, especially in the area of education, health and welfare for mothers; the establishment of the 200 bed children hospital in Abuja is one of such engagements.
“This clinic further underscores the determination of the NOWA leadership to provide infrastructure and capacity development but consciously empower our young minds through sports,” she said.
She commended the co-sponsors for their foresight, that the collective efforts were geared towards providing enabling avenues and empowerment cardinal to humanity at all levels.
“I am certain that the children and families as a whole will fully benefit from this laudable initiative in the nearest future.
“Let me assure you that NOWA and Amenomo Foundation will closely monitor their progress with a view to sponsoring those that excel.
“Let me enjoin the kids to continue to strive for the best in their various areas of sports as we look forward to a rewarding engagement in future,” she added.
Mr Henry Umoru, Chief Executive Officer of Amenomo Foundation, said that they engaged young kids between the ages of 5-16 in the basketball clinic and camping.
Umoru said that the clinic was in line with the mission of his foundation, to harness young talents and groom their interest in sporting activities through basketball.
“I am delighted to inform you that this clinic was a success as we have been able to impact the basics of playing basketball on each age category.
“I want to charge the kids never to give up until you achieve your dreams.
“I also want to thank NOWA for this partnership, the coaches and most importantly parents who trusted us with their kids during the clinic.
“Also, I must commend the Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Naval Command, Rear Adm. Ibrahim Dewu, for his hospitality and support for the basketball clinic,” he said.
Mrs Habiba Dewu, wife of the Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Naval Command, said that the historic event was organised to empower humanity, especially the younger generation.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Bright Udofia emerged as the King of the Court, while Abigail Ogar was crowned the Queen of the Court. (NAN)
