By Yusuf A Yusuf
The journey ended in triumph as Jigawa Golden Stars were crowned champions of the maiden edition of the North West DAM Foundation Basketball Championship.
Jigawa Golden Stars emerged winners among the eight teams that participated in the tournament, which was held at the multi-million naira DAM Foundation Recreational Centre in Kano.
The team dominated all four quarters to secure a 41–36 victory over Kaduna Fresh Stars in front of thousands of spectators.
In the female category, D-Sun Female Basketball Team edged past Kano Bukavu Blinks Queens with a narrow 40–38 win.
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The prize breakdown showed that in the male category, Jigawa Golden Stars received $5,000 and a trophy, while runners-up Kaduna Fresh Stars were awarded $2,000, and the third-place team received $1,000
In the female category, D-Sun received $1,500, while runners-up Bukavu Blinks Queens went home with $500.
In his closing remarks, the Director-General and CEO of the Energy Commission of Nigeria and founder of the DAM Foundation, Dr. Abdullahi Mustapha, stated that sports serve as a powerful tool for unity, empowerment, and transformation.
He added that the energy and sportsmanship displayed throughout the competition offer great hope for the future of basketball in Nigeria.
He also commended Nigeria’s female basketball team, D’Tigress, for making the country proud by winning a historic third consecutive AfroBasket championship.
He further noted that the male team, D’Tigers, made history as the first African basketball team to defeat the United States at the Olympic Games.
“DAM Foundation will remain committed to the growth of basketball and the empowerment of Nigerians, in line with the vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope Agenda.’ That is why the foundation sees sports as a key avenue for youth empowerment,” he said.
In his remarks as Special Guest of Honour, the 15th Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, appreciated the founder’s efforts in organizing the event.
He described it as a commendable initiative aimed at empowering youths through sports and other aspects of life, noting that young people are the leaders of tomorrow.
The Emir added that initiatives like this are essential, as the country lacks sufficient youth-focused programs. He prayed for sustained peace, unity, and economic growth in Kano State and Nigeria at large.
The Director of Sports in Jigawa State, Alhaji Ali Ibrahim, praised the athletes for their performance, noting that it signals a revival of sports development in the state.
He urged the state government to invest more in sports to provide opportunities for young people to showcase their talents.
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He added that such efforts would position Jigawa as a leading state in youth empowerment through sports and development programs.
The coach of Jigawa Golden Stars, Gambo Musa, also commended his players for their determination and described the victory as a milestone for basketball in the North West region..
He further appreciated the state governor for the support that enabled the team to qualify for the National Sports Festival for the first time.
Dignitaries at the event included Professor Musa Garba Yakasai and Professor Aliyu Madaki of Bayero University Kano, Alhaji Tijjani Paki, the Jigawa State Director of Sports, Alhaji Ali Ibrahim, and Cubana Chief Priest among others.