•Applauds Adeola Ajayi’s community legacy
By Joe Apu
The President of FIBA Africa Zone 3, Colonel Sam Ahmedu (Rtd), has called on Nigerian basketball stars—both active and retired—to give back to their communities, following the inspirational example set by Adeola Ajayi, founder of the AOA Basketball Foundation.
Speaking at the 5th Ade- ola Ajayi Foundation Basketball Camp held in Ota, Ogun State, Col. Ahmedu commended Ajayi for his commitment to youth development through basketball. The camp, which attracted over 200 children, was hosted on a newly constructed court donated by Ajayi to the community where he grew up.
“As someone passionate about basketball, witnessing what Adeola Ajayi has done in his hometown fills me with pride,” Ahmedu said.
“That a product of the Warriors Basketball Academy can return to uplift his roots by creating opportunities for young kids is remarkable. Nigeria has many players in the diaspora and I call on them to emulate Ajayi’s generosity. If each one of them built a court in their community, imagine how many lives we could touch and how many youths we could steer away from social vices.”
He lauded the initiative as a blueprint for community engagement, stressing that grassroots investments in sports infrastructure can shape future champions and responsible citizens.
In an emotional address, Adeola Ajayi reflected on his journey, describing the court — named Noble Court in honor of his late father, Idowu “ID Noble”
Ajayi — as the realization of a lifelong dream.
“This court is more than concrete and paint — it is the physical manifestation of a dream born in a cramped 9×9 room right here in Sango Ota,” said Ajayi. “It stands for hope, resilience, and pride, and it is a tribute to the values of dignity, discipline, honor, and service instilled in me by my father.”
Ajayi recounted his early struggles playing basketball barefoot on dusty courts, the support of his family, and his breakthrough moment with the Warriors Academy, which eventually earned him a scholarship to the United States
“This return completes me,” he said. “Noble Court is not just a place to play. It’s a launch pad for future leaders and dreamers who believe, like I did, that where you start doesn’t define where you’ll finish.”
He also paid heartfelt tributes to key figures who supported his journey, including his American guardians, Coach Curtis Berry and Dr. Jacqueline Walters, and longtime supporter Dr. Green, whose contributions have impacted thousands of children through donations and mentorship.
The facility features Berry Champion Seats, honoring Coach Berry’s commitment to mentoring, and Dr. Jackie’s Hall of Excellence, named after Ajayi’s mother, celebrating strength, grace, and perseverance.
In closing, Ajayi dedicated the court to his father: “Baba, this is for you. Your name now lives where the next generation will rise.”