The Ajayi Elebire Elite Basketball Camp 4th edition has begun in Ado-Ekiti for the first time, marking a major milestone for the acclaimed youth programme that has been shaping basketball talents across Africa.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a total of 60 basketball players are currently being trained and camped in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital.
10 players were selected from Ekiti while other 50 players are from other states of the federation.
jersey, boots and kits with free accomodations and feeding were provided for the basketball players.
Speaking at a news conference held in Ado-Ekiti, the sponsor and convener of the programme, Olalekan Ajayi, a Nigerian based in United States of America (USA), said the objective of the programme was to discover talented basketball players who are worthy in character and hardworking.
Ajayi, a native of Efon Alaaye and a foreign professional basketball player, said the camp was solely financed by him without any government officials or politicians support.
He advised the players picked for camping to be worthy in character and hardworking to be able to get selected among the 10 players that would be given free scholarships to study and play basketball in USA.
Ajayi said Elebire was his late father’s name and that, he decided to immortalise him by giving scholarship to basketball talents regardless of their background, status or religion.
“The Ajayi Elebire Foundation is a non – governmental registered both in Nigeria and the United States of America in memory of my late father, the camp provides full accommodation, three square meals, branded clothing, Jersey and basketball boots worth $400 for each participant, at no cost.
“I’m not here to raise funds. I am here to give back through the very path that changed my life which is basketball.
“This is the 4th edition of this programme, I decided to bring it to Ekiti State, because it is my Origin and is where my father originated from.
“All selected players are documented leaving no room for manipulation. The only thing beyond our control is visa approval, everything else is alrtight.”
“On the absence of a female category, the male camp will return in Dec. 2025, a female edition can be introduced if partners come on board to support my vision.
” I want to urge all the participants to be disciplined, humble and ready to learn from the coaches who are on ground to tutor them the fundamental rules and regulations of Basketball,”‘ he said
He commended Coach Scott Nnaji, Coach Adeka Dauda, and Coach Rojo Simon, who have supported the initiative since inception.
Ajayi said the move to Ekiti was inspired by significant progress in the state’s sports sector under Governor Biodun Oyebanji and Olusola Osetoba.
“The FIBA-standard upright donated by the Governor and the enabling environment gave us the confidence to come home,” he added.
Ajayi, however appealed to the state government , politicians to emulate his kind gesture in promoting grassroot sports empowerment programme for youths to enhance their future ambition of becoming an outstanding sports athletes.
NAN reports that the athletes profiles and camp results will be released in the coming days.
