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By Paul Nwokocha Jr
Former Nigerian basketball captain, Olumide Oyedeji, has demonstrated his commitment to youth development as he continues to nurture young athletes through his annual basketball camp at the National Stadium, now in its 24th edition.
Oyedeji said his motivation for sustaining the programme over the past two decades has been rooted in giving back to society and providing opportunities for the next generation.
“Probably just giving back to the community, giving back to the environment, and building younger talent,” Oyedeji explained.
“At least I’ve been doing this for 24 years. I missed one during the COVID year, two years during COVID, so it’s been going really well and the result has been very impactful.”
This year’s camp hosts about 350 participants, offering not only basketball training but also broader developmental opportunities. Oyedeji emphasized that the programmme extends beyond sports.
“We talk about education, we talk about mental awareness, we talk about building champions. That’s what we do,” he said.
Over the years, the camp has produced not only promising athletes but also nurtured singers and other professionals, supporting Oyedeji’s vision of preparing youths for “life in sport and life after sport.”
With its blend of athletics, mentorship, and personal development, the Olumide Oyedeji Basketball Camp continues to leave a lasting impact, inspiring the next generation of champions on and off the court.
