Pamodzi CEO rallies stakeholders behind NBBF marketing push
Chief Mike Itemuagbor, Chairman and CEO of Pamodzi, has called on Nigerian basketball stakeholders to remain united as his company takes on the challenge of promoting the Nigeria Basketball Federation
- By Israel Olamilekan
Chief Mike Itemuagbor, Chairman and CEO of Pamodzi, has called on Nigerian basketball stakeholders to remain united as his company takes on the challenge of promoting the Nigeria Basketball Federation and its activities.
Itemuagbor spoke on the heels of a letter from the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) to the Nigerian basketball family last month, shortly after the NBBF announced Pamodzi as its official marketer.
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The sports marketing executive said the FIBA intervention should serve as a guideline for lasting peace and unity within the basketball ecosystem.
"I find so much peace and corporate guidance in proper governance in the FIBA letter, especially in this transition period for the basketball family in Nigeria. We do pray that everyone embraces that document so that things can get better for the basketball ecosystem in this country," he said.
Itemuagbor reiterated that peace and positivity are essential conditions for marketing any product, and thanked the NBBF for entrusting Pamodzi with the mandate.
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"The NBBF has given us a challenge, and we just have to run with it. Pamodzi says thank you to NBBF President Musa Kida and the basketball family for entrusting us with one of the biggest challenges in the world. We can only succeed in Nigerian basketball when everyone truly wants to see the game grow here.
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"When good news is all over Nigerian basketball, it becomes very attractive to the corporate world.
"I plead with everyone to see the bigger picture and support this game. My company is only interested in the game and its growth here. The game is big enough for all if we choose to cooperate with one another. So, my concern is for us all to help clean up the image and make the system very attractive to sponsors.
"As I have said in the past, basketball is super fun and cash-yielding in the USA, and we can replicate such here."
In March, the National Sports Commission urged all stakeholders to put the interest of the game first as the NBBF prepares for elections later this year. NSC Director General Bukola Olopade pressed those within the basketball ecosystem to prioritise unity and the sport's growth above personal interests.
"This is a crucial moment for basketball in Nigeria. We must all put the game first. The future of our athletes, our national teams, and our global reputation depends on collective responsibility and adherence to due process," Olopade said.
In its communication, FIBA noted that the tenure of the current NBBF board will elapse on 15 October 2026, with elections into a new board to be conducted no earlier than 15 September 2026 and no later than 15 October 2026 — follow ing the conclusion of the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup scheduled for September 2026.
