Over 150 Lagos Youths Benefit from Third Elevate Basketball Clinic

Posted : 19 October 2026

More than 150 young basketball players gathered at Rowe Park Sports Complex in Yaba, Lagos, for the third edition of the Elevate Basketball Clinic. Held on Saturday, October 17, the programme provided training and mentorship for boys and girls aged 10 to 16.

The clinic was organised by US-based Nigerian philanthropist Akinwande Oshodi in partnership with the Lagos State Basketball Association. It focuses on developing young sporting talent while promoting education, leadership and positive character.

Participants took part in practical training sessions covering basketball fundamentals, ball handling, shooting, teamwork and discipline. The activities also encouraged the youngsters to build confidence and pursue their sporting ambitions.

For Khadijat Muritala, who started playing basketball at the age of 10, the programme offered an opportunity to improve her understanding of the game. She said the experience had motivated her to work harder towards becoming a professional basketball player.

Another participant, Abdulkarim Abdulrahim, returned for his second consecutive year. He highlighted improvements in his ball-handling skills, teamwork and discipline since attending the previous edition.

Abdulrahim also explained how seeing other participants develop their abilities had strengthened his confidence. He recalled that some players were still learning the basics last year but had progressed to more advanced plays and three-point shooting.

The progress encouraged him to continue working towards his ambition of becoming a professional basketball player.

Speaking at the event, Oshodi stressed the importance of partnerships in sustaining the initiative. He explained that the organisers had introduced a performance-tracking system to measure participants’ progress and provide sponsors with data on the programme’s impact.

Oshodi said the clinic goes beyond basketball training. Its wider purpose is to teach young people the importance of hard work, consistency and determination, values that can support them in sports, education and everyday life.

The founder also shared his long-term plan to establish a foundation and academy that would combine basketball training with athletics, educational support and enrichment programmes. The proposed initiative would give young people more opportunities to develop their talents and prepare for life beyond competitive sport.

The clinic’s third edition reflects the continued development of a grassroots programme launched in 2024. Through its focus on mentorship and personal development, Elevate Basketball aims to help young athletes build the skills and confidence needed to pursue opportunities both on and off the court.

Over 150 Lagos Youths Benefit from Third Elevate Basketball Clinic

ADD A COMMENT :

Hot Topics