25th February, 2013
Popular Nigerian music star, Dapo Daniel Oyebanjo, fondly called D’banj, has commended the physically challenged players that participated at the just concluded Ochei Wheelchair Basketball Championship at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.
D’banj, who entertained spectators during the final at the weekend with some of his popular songs, said he was impressed by the performance of the players, adding that the annual tourney has proved that there is indeed ‘ability in disability’.
He also commended the sponsor of the tourney, the Speaker of Delta State House of Assembly, Victor Ochei for funding the competition.
“I am really impressed to see our physically challenged athletes being given an opportunity to compete against each other in the game of basketball. This is really an eye opener for me and hopefully, when next year they are hosting this championship I would be there to contribute my quota to the growth of the sport,” he said.
He also commended the organisers for bringing the tourney to Lagos State, adding that the performance of all the teams have shown that with enough funding and regular competitions, Nigeria can win medals in wheelchair basketball in international tourneys in the nearest future.
—Bamidele Olowosagba