By Ado Salisu
Retired Colonel Samuel Ahmedu, President of FIBA Africa Zone 3, has been showered with tributes from across Africa and beyond as he celebrated his 68th birthday on Friday.
Goodwill messages poured in from FIBA officials, national basketball federations, former players and grassroots organisers, all acknowledging Ahmedu’s outstanding contributions to the growth and development of basketball in Nigeria and the West African sub-region.
A retired officer of the Nigerian Army, Ahmedu successfully transitioned into sports administration and rose to become President of FIBA Africa Zone 3, the body responsible for basketball development in eight West African countries. He also serves as a member of the FIBA Africa Executive Committee.
Under his leadership, Zone 3 has recorded significant progress through expanded competitions, coaching clinics and youth development programmes driven by national federations and private sector partnerships.
President of the Ghana Basketball Federation, Alex Kukula, described Ahmedu as a visionary leader whose commitment to youth development has strengthened basketball across the region.
“Your passion for the game and commitment to youth development across Africa embody the FIBA spirit. Zone 3 is stronger because of your vision,” Kukula said.
Secretary General of the Liberia Basketball Association, Calvin Diggs, also commended Ahmedu for his role in restoring stability and promoting the game in the region.
“Zone 3 national federations, particularly Liberia, have witnessed a rebirth under your guidance. You are an astute bridge-builder and diplomat. Your support for basketball camps and clinics is unrivalled. After four years of crisis in Liberian basketball following a disputed federation election, your fatherly leadership helped broker peace, leading to a successful election and lasting stability. We all appreciate you,” Diggs said.
Former players and officials of Dodan Warriors, led by U.S.-based Sunday Akowe, paid tribute to Ahmedu for the opportunities he created for young basketball talents.
“You took many of us off the streets and gave us our first real opportunity. You didn’t just teach us basketball; you created opportunities that made Dodan Warriors the household name it became,” they said.
Ahmedu is widely credited with initiating the Nestlé Milo Secondary Schools Basketball Championship, one of Nigeria’s most successful grassroots sports programmes. Despite turning 68, he remains actively involved in coaching clinics and youth development initiatives.
Known for his humility and accessibility, Ahmedu has earned widespread respect for his ability to connect with basketball stakeholders at every level, from international FIBA meetings to community basketball courts.
FIBA Africa Zone 3 Secretary General, Joe Apu, summed up the sentiments of many when he described the celebrant as:
“A Colonel by rank, but a point guard at heart, always looking to give an assist.”
As tributes continue to pour in, Ahmedu’s legacy as one of Africa’s foremost basketball administrators remains firmly established, with many expressing confidence that his impact on the sport will continue to inspire future generations.
