The First Bank Female Basketball team “Elephant Girls” has called on the AdaMark Foundation for Girls (AMF4G) to extend it reach beyond the shores of Nigeria,
The “Elephant Girls” want the organization to take its basketball initiative for girls to neighbouring West African countries.
“AdaMark Foundation is doing a pretty good job for girls in Nigeria and this initiative should be extended to other West African countries,’ said Team Interpreter, Christopher Olufojude. The club has nationals from both French and English speaking West African countries.
“I’m particularly impressed with what I saw on ground when I came here – what you’re doing for girls in Nigeria. We hope one day, you’ll extend it to the West African coast,” Olufojude said.
The team which is on a solidarity visit to the foundation, urged Mrs. Ada Mark-Ogbole who is the founder of AMF4G not to relent in her selfless service to the girl-child and basketball sports.
“We are here to appreciate what her foundation is doing for girls in Nigeria through the basketball game.
“For me as a coach, I have witnessed her programs; the foundation encourages the girls to believe in themselves and excel in life ,” said Peter Ahmedu.
AdaMark Foundation is an NGO founded primarily to increase societal awareness of the value of the girl-child, strengthen the girl-child’s self image, self esteem and status. It also seeks to empower young women and girls through sports and education.
In 2015, the Foundation hosted the first edition of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) sanctioned 3X3 basketball tournament for 150 girls in Abuja, tagged “No Barriers in Sports for Girls,”. They were grouped according to age and ability: the mini 8 to 12 years, the cadet 13 to 15 and the junior 16 to 18.
According to Team Assistant Captain, Atosu Upe, “we have learnt a lot here. The quality is outstanding. Thank you so much for what you’re doing for the girl-child.
“On behalf the First Bank Female Basketball team, we commend your good work and may God reward you,” added Upe.
“Thank you for your encouragement in giving girls the hope to be what they want to be,” Chioma Udeaja said.
Mrs. Ogbole is yet to make any commitment to take the Basketball program of the organization beyond Nigeria, but she expresses her profound appreciation to the team.
“I appreciate all of you,” Mrs. Ogbole remarked as she handed out souvenirs to each member of the visiting team.
Content Executive (Sports) of AdaMark Foundation, Obande Ogbole charged the team to look inward to be outstanding. “You don’t need to go to America to excel. You can excel at home,” he said.
The First Bank Elephant Girls team is unarguably one of the best basketball sides in Nigeria and in the African continent. The team parades array of stars in the country.
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