By: Goodluck E. Adubazi, Abuja.
The NBSA President, Mr. Uche Odozor, in his welcome speech on the occasion of International Baseball Day at the National Stadium, Abuja, on May 10, said:
“Baseball is a billion-dollar sport and should be given space in Nigeria for the betterment of our future children.”
The NBSA President observed already established protocols. He recognized the presence of the Federal Capital Territory Minister, ably represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Sports, Eng John Chukwu a former Federal Secretary, who is also the Chairman and founder of Dove land College Abuja.
“Let me also recognize Dr Onwusoro Maduka who is a Permanent Secretary, Special Duties, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.”
The NBSA President maintained that in 1960, NBSA came into existence alongside Japan. However, it exited in 1967 when war broke out and then re-entered in 1990–1991. “Yours truly happens to be one of those teenagers recruited from a football field to play baseball,” he noted.
“So today, with my colleagues, I would like to pay special respect to the pioneers of baseball in Nigeria, Major General Isola Williams (retired). He still remains the patron of baseball. I would also like to recognize Professor Ndii Okereke Onyiuke, former DG of the Stock Exchange. She still remains a living matron and pillar of support for Nigerian baseball,” Mr. Uche Odozor emphasized.
“So today is a very special day. We are right here at Nigeria’s best baseball park, right in the middle of the Moshood Abiola Stadium, and this has been made possible by the efforts of our past leaders—the likes of General Williams and, of course, the National Sports Commission Chairman, who deemed it fit to say that if you cannot realize a billion-dollar sport in Nigeria, it is not acceptable. He made that effort and handed this park back to Nigerian baseball.
“So this is your home. Let’s give a round of applause to our National Sports Commission Chairman,” NBSA President commended Dikko.
The NBSA President observed protocol by recognizing, with very high esteem, Ambassador Bello Dagon Daji of Foreign Affairs United Nations second office “We would like to recognize them. We are part of that family. If you play baseball, you are part of that family.”
“So baseball is a global sport, heavily dominant in countries like America—both South, East, and North America. It is the biggest sporting event in Japan, South Korea,—you name it. So today marks World Baseball and Softball Day. On behalf of my executive—the newly elected executive of Nigeria Baseball and Softball—we welcome you all.”
The NBSA President, Mr. Uche Odozor, paid special respect to all those present, especially the very supportive executives.
“What is happening here today is happening across the country, and this is the first time in Nigeria that we are participating in this kind of special event,” he stated.
“So let’s give a round of applause to all our people. Let’s give a shout-out to people in Enugu State, Niger State, Kaduna State—people are here. Kaduna came down to join us for this particular occasion. We also have the same thing happening in Niger State, Lagos, Enugu, Port Harcourt, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, Ekiti, and Ogun State.
“This same event is happening simultaneously across the country. We believe that this billion-dollar sport—a sport that cares, that understands the lives and values of children—should be given ideal space in Nigeria. And the effort we make is to ensure that we not only catch them young but also groom the attitude, character, and values of those who will represent us tomorrow—the kind of leaders we want to see. What baseball does is incredible. Baseball changes the values of a child for the better,” Mr. Odozor said.
“So I would like to thank you and welcome everybody once again. Please, let us have fun.”
Nancy Sabanti Nathan, mni, Federal Capital Territory Permanent Secretary sports commended the President of NBSA for his foresight.
“To the President of the Baseball and Softball Federation, who made it possible for us to be here, enjoy the schools that are here, the children. I can see people from nursery, primary, and secondary schools—Regina Pacis, Doveland, CTL academy, Fortville, Marist College Yangoji and Afisat stars Kubwa etc.
“His point is about discipline, character formation, and good health.
“So I encourage all of you to focus very well on doing this sport. I know many of you do quite a lot of sports—as I can see some that go for races, football, basketball, and tennis—but this is a new beginning, an opportunity for you to excel, and the benefits are so wonderful.
“You have opportunities for scholarships. You have opportunities to become professionals. And of course, you know what that means.
“I want to congratulate you on this opportunity to be here. Just like the two earlier speakers said, sport is a field of discipline. You have the opportunity to explore all other factors, and you also have the opportunity to be healthy.
“My former boss earlier said that sports used to be a division. Today, you can see how it has grown. We are not just a division—we are now a secretariat, meaning we are a ministry. This shows the emphasis our Honourable Minister is placing on sports. He has given us the leverage to come up with programs and activities that will be useful to FCT youth.
“He has invested heavily not only in the infrastructure that you see but also in sports.”
Continuing, she said: “FCT has approved that Area 8, which you are talking about, has been awarded. So next month, that place will be functional. It may interest you to know that we have specifically requested that a training pitch for baseball will be in Area 3, and Area 10 is also undergoing renovation.
“A new multi-sports complex is being constructed at the Kafe District just to provide an enabling environment for sports lovers in FCT to thrive.
“So the Honourable Minister is not just constructing roads. He is mindful of young people—the real residents of FCT—who need to explore their potentials in different ways. On this note, I want to thank the President of the Baseball Association for your doggedness in ensuring that baseball is back in the FCT and Nigeria, so that our young people can also participate.”
“Thank you very much. We also thank all the partners who have been there for us.”
Others who spoke at International Baseball Day included a former Federal Permanent Secretary to the FCT and chairman Doveland college among others.
International Baseball Day is celebrated every year on May 10. This year marks the first of its kind in Nigeria. The Federal Capital Territory celebrated it with pitch games, feasts, and entertainment.