Nnaji, NBA-Africa partner to build facilities nationwide

Nnaji

Enugu State-born U.S.-based basketball star, Ezekiel Tobechukwu Nnaji (also known as Zeke Nnaji) has initiated partnership with National Basketball Association (NBA-Africa) and the Players Association for the construction of basketball facilities in parts of Nigeria.

Nnaji, who plays for Denver Nuggets in the NBA, said arrangements have been concluded to build five basketball facilities in the country.

Speaking at the unveiling of the first of the basketball facilities in Enugu, Nnaji said the idea is to give back to the society, as well as provide opportunities for the development of basketball among young people.

The NBA star said he was moved into doing so after visiting the country for the first time at a young age to discover “the glaring depravity young kids go through each day.”

He said: “We believe that athletic and academic engagement is a powerful tool for molding children into productive members of our society.

“We partnered with NBA Africa and the NBA Players Association to build the basketball facility. This is the first of the five locations. There is a technology lab, which we will start working on next month, where kids will learn how to use equipment like 3D printers, design engineering software, as well as a music studio.

“Organised basketball teaches kids life skills set like determination, perseverance, collaboration and learning how to handle failure. Everything we do and provide for the families and their kids are all free. We hope that if anyone from any of the facilities make it to the U.S. or becomes successful, they can give back to the community that nurtured their talents.”

Communications Director of Nnaji Foundation, Ugochukwu Nnaji, who gave further details on the project, said it was