Hoop Dreams Nigeria marks 10 years of impact as founder Barr. Damola Awosika reflects on growth, youth empowerment and basketball development.
Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Hoop Dreams Nigeria, Barrister Damola Awosika, has described the organisation’s 10th anniversary celebration as a moment of gratitude, fulfilment, and renewed hope after a decade of commitment to youth development and basketball growth.
Awosika made this known on Saturday during the colourful 10th anniversary celebration of Hoop Dreams Nigeria held at the Basketball Court of the Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Adamasingba, Ibadan, where players, alumni, coaches, schools, sports lovers, families, and supporters gathered to commemorate the milestone.
During a chat with basketball journalist Kenny Bamidele, Awosika reflected on what the occasion means to him after ten years of building the academy, describing the journey as challenging but rewarding while expressing appreciation to God and everyone who has contributed to the organisation’s success.
“It feels great. It is a great accomplishment, and I feel honoured. I give glory to God. It has been a hard ten years, but in all things, you have to give thanks. We pray for another 10 to 20 years ahead,” he said.
The anniversary event was vibrant, colourful, and memorable, with a rich blend of sporting activities, entertainment, and recognition moments that reflected the academy’s decade-long impact.
The celebration featured awards presentations recognising individuals who have contributed immensely to the growth and success of Hoop Dreams Nigeria, energetic dancing and entertainment sessions, as well as exciting basketball matchups and novelty games that thrilled participants and spectators.
Players, alumni, invited schools, coaches, and supporters also participated in basketball activities that showcased talent, teamwork, and sportsmanship, further underscoring the organisation’s mission of youth development through sports.
Reflecting on the organisation’s challenges and future aspirations, Awosika identified access to a permanent facility as the next major phase of development for Hoop Dreams Nigeria.
“The challenges haven’t been much. The main thing we would love to do is have our own facilities.
“With the facilities we’ve had, we’ve been able to manage and use them effectively, but the next stage of growth is hopefully for us to have our own facilities,” he explained.
Despite operating without dedicated infrastructure, the founder said the organisation has achieved measurable impact through youth engagement, mentorship, and talent development.
“We’ve been able to take a lot of kids off the streets through regular participation in sports.
“We have also produced four national team players at the age-grade level, and we have children we’ve mentored who are doing well across the world,” he added.
Awosika further noted that the academy remains committed to ensuring access and inclusivity by keeping training free for children, regardless of their financial background.
The academy, he explained, aims to continue offering training free of charge to ensure financial constraints do not prevent passionate young people from participating in basketball and structured development opportunities.
Beyond sports, Hoop Dreams Nigeria combines athletic training with academic monitoring and vocational mentorship, helping participants build discipline, life skills, and long-term purpose.
Awosika stressed that the organisation’s mission goes beyond basketball, focusing on mentorship, discipline, teamwork, education, and helping young people discover purpose.
Looking ahead, he said Hoop Dreams Nigeria remains committed to expanding its impact and making basketball more popular across the state.
“The goal is to continue on this trajectory and make sure basketball becomes more popular in the state,” he stated.
The founder also expressed appreciation to distinguished guests and supporters who graced the occasion, describing their presence as a strong show of encouragement for the academy’s vision and mission.
Among dignitaries present at the anniversary celebration were Kemi Alao-Akala, Ayodeji Odediran, Olalekan Oloyede, Seye Oyeleye, Wole Okunnuga, Bimbola Awosika, Idowu Oladepo, Muyiwa Ige, Tosin Awolude, Luke Nwoha, Jide Adesina, Bimbo Bodede, Seyi Adegbite, Ajibike Tunde, Adebayo Fatai, and John Abimbola ‘Fani’ Faniran, among others.
Founded to nurture young talents and create opportunities for aspiring athletes, Hoop Dreams Nigeria has evolved into one of the respected youth basketball development platforms in Nigeria, inspiring young people to pursue excellence both on and off the court.
As the organisation enters a new decade, the anniversary celebration served not only as a reflection on past achievements but also as a reaffirmation of its commitment to shaping futures and creating opportunities for young people through sports.
Ireport247news
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