The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), has announced plans to establish a South-East Regional Basketball Championship to identify and develop young basketball talents across the five states in the region.

Musa made the announcement in Umuahia after visiting the Umuahia Township Stadium at the end of his three-day official working visit to Abia State. He interacted with participants at the inaugural multi-age basketball camp organised by the Crossover Foundation and spearheaded by the Achiuwa brothers.

‎The minister commended the foundation and the Abia State Government for collaborating to expand opportunities for youth participation in sports. He said the proposed championship would provide a platform for young athletes from across the South-East to showcase their talents.

‎To support the initiative, Musa donated ₦2 million to the basketball camp. He described grassroots sports development as an important tool for nurturing future champions and promoting youth engagement.

‎The minister urged parents to encourage their children to participate in organised sports, noting that athletics helps to build discipline, leadership skills and national unity.

‎He also disclosed that the Armed Forces of Nigeria would soon introduce sports-based recruitment programmes to provide talented young athletes with opportunities to pursue careers in the military.

‎During the visit, NBA player Precious Achiuwa, on behalf of the organisers, presented the minister with a signed basketball in appreciation of his support for the initiative.