By Hillary Asemota
Having emerged African Champions for four consecutive times and
following their win over the Taranga Lioness of Senegal in the final of the 2023 FIBA Women’s Afrobasket Tournament held in Kigali, Rwanda on Saturday, the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu has hosted D’Tigress to a reception.
During the event which held on Monday at the State House, Abuja, the First Lady stated that Nigeria’s National Basketball Team, D’Tigress has made history, having won the FIBA Women Afrobasket Tournament for 4 consecutive times, thereby becoming the first country to achieve the feat in recent times.
She, stated further that the Team’s performance on the basketball court was a testament to hard work, discipline and commitment to excellence. This she added, will inspire countless individuals, especially women, to pursue their dreams.
“Your victory transcends sports, symbolizing the potential that can be realized when a diverse group of individuals come together with a common goal.
“I am immensely proud of your achievements and the positive image you have projected for our country. Your success reinforces the fact that Nigerian women are capable of reaching the highest level in any endeavour they choose to undertake,” she said.
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Sports and Youth Development, Alhaji Ismaila Abubakar, thanked the First Lady for hosting the team.
He assured that the Ministry is set to go back to the drawing board to further improve on its implementation of sporting policies, initiatives as well as projects to further strengthen our athletes in preparation for the 2024 Olympic Games with victory on their minds.
Highlights of the reception include presentation of the coveted FIBA Women’s Afrobasket trophy to the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Bola Tinubu, Wife of the Vice President, Nana Shettima, Wife of the Senate President, Mrs. Uloma Akpabio as well as
presentation of a medal and jersey to the First Lady by the officials of the Basketball Federation (NBBF).
