The legacy of basketball development in Nigeria is deeply intertwined with the work of Coach Oliver B. Johnson (Coach OBJ) and the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria. Over the last decade, a series of strategic milestones—from elite coaching workshops to regional university leagues—has solidified ABU’s position as a premier “hub for basketball excellence” in West Africa.
A Legacy Built on Mentorship
Known as the “Godfather of African Basketball,” Coach OBJ has dedicated over 50 years to the sport on the continent. His influence is global; he is credited with discovering NBA legend Hakeem Olajuwon and mentoring Toronto Raptors President Masai Ujiri. Through his Basketball for Peace (BB4P) initiative, founded in 2003, he uses the court as a “Peace Zone” to foster youth development and conflict resolution.
Milestones in Development (2014–2019)
The progress of this vision is mapped through several key events hosted at ABU Zaria:
1. Strengthening the Foundation: The 2019 Coaching Workshop
In March 2019, ABU hosted the National/International Basketball Workshop for Coaches. The week-long event aimed to create an annual forum for interaction and provide coaches with a “minimum recognizable qualification” through a new basic developmental manual.
Sponsorship: Supported by organizations like Giants of Africa (GOA), the Ahmadu Musa Kida Foundation (AMKF), and the Nigerian University Games Association (NUGA).
