Masai Ujiri demands better maintenance of sports infrastructure

The co-founder of Giants of Africa and President as well as Alternate Governor of the Dallas Mavericks, Masai Ujiri, has called on the various levels of government in Nigeria and institutions to pay greater attention to the maintenance of public facilities in the country. The former D’Tigers player said more attention should be paid to […]

The co-founder of Giants of Africa and President as well as Alternate Governor of the Dallas Mavericks, Masai Ujiri, has called on the various levels of government in Nigeria and institutions to pay greater attention to the maintenance of public facilities in the country.

The former D’Tigers player said more attention should be paid to keeping the facilities in good shape rather than building new ones and then leaving them poorly maintained.

Masai spoke at the milestone launch of the 50th basketball court under the Giants of Africa (GOA) “Built Within” initiative, which was celebrated in grand style on Monday, May 25, at the historic premises of King’s College Lagos.

He described the occasion as a moment of fulfillment in the organisation’s journey to empower young Africans through basketball.

“It’s a thing of joy and fulfillment to have the 50th court in our mission of providing 100 courts around Africa.

“The Giants of Africa is also happy to have this court situated within this historic school, King’s College Lagos.

“However, I must state emphatically that the structure of this prestigious school is nothing to write home about. A modern basketball facility does not sync with the structures I have seen here today.

“I therefore challenge those saddled with the administration of the school and government to do something urgent to uplift the school,” said Ujiri.

For the past decade, Masai has called on the authorities to fix the abandoned National Stadium in Lagos.

“How can the National Stadium be in a state of disrepair for years now. We are Nigerians and the biggest country in the Black race, and we must show leadership in all areas. When Nigeria moves well, other African countries will move well too,” he maintained.