Elevate Basketball Clinic Holds Third Edition Oct. 17

The third edition of the Elevate Basketball Clinic will hold on Oct. 17 at Rowe Park Sports Centre, Yaba, Lagos.
The clinic’s Coordinator, Gbade Olatona, said the initiative, which began in 2024, had recorded steady growth, with increasing interest from young people.
“Since we started in 2024, we have continued to see growing interest from young people who want to be part of the clinic.
“This year, we expect hundreds of participants below the age of 16 to take part in the one-day programme,” he said.
Olatona said the clinic aimed not only to develop basketball players but also to nurture leaders, responsible citizens and agents of change.
“Our vision goes beyond basketball. We want to use the game to shape young people into leaders, responsible citizens and agents of change in their communities,” he said.
He said the organisers envisioned a future in which basketball would serve as a pathway to hope, growth and transformation for young people.
The clinic is organised by Elevate Basketball Academy in partnership with the Lagos State Basketball Association.
It seeks to use basketball to promote mentorship, leadership development and community empowerment among young people.
The initiative’s founder and sponsor, Akinwande Oshodi, described the project as a personal commitment to helping young people overcome challenges and realise their potential.
Oshodi, a Lagos indigene based in the United States, said he understood the challenges confronting young people in Nigeria.
He said basketball had taught him valuable life lessons, including discipline, perseverance, teamwork and the importance of believing in something greater than himself.
According to him, these lessons inspired him to establish Elevate Basketball Academy.
Oshodi said the academy sought to promote personal growth while helping young athletes develop confidence, discipline and resilience.
He said the initiative also aimed to prepare participants for life beyond the basketball court.
“Through youth clinics, mentorship, character development and community outreach, we provide opportunities for young athletes to develop their talents.
“We also strengthen the values that lead to success in school, sports and life,” he said.
Oshodi said Elevate Basketball Academy continued to use basketball as a tool for youth development by connecting young people’s aspirations with opportunities.
He said the initiative also provided a platform for young people to learn not only how to play basketball but also how to lead, serve their communities and pursue their dreams.