By Boluwaji Ogunmola
Ibadan, June 4, 2025 – The Akeem Atilola Foundation is set to host the second edition of its highly successful basketball clinic on June 11 and 12, 2025, at the Adamasingba Stadium outdoor court in Ibadan. This year’s event promises to be even more impactful, offering College scholarship opportunities for elite players alongside intensive basketball training.
Building on the positive feedback from last year’s participants, the foundation is expanding its vision to not only develop young athletes but also provide pathways to higher education through sports. Akeem Atilola, the organizer and a former Oyo State basketball star, emphasized that the clinic is designed to equip aspiring players with the skills, discipline, and exposure needed to excel in basketball and beyond.
Participants from the 2024 edition praised the clinic for its transformative impact. Ten-year-old Olamide Olatunde described it as a “great and interesting experience,” where he improved his passing and teamwork. Fifteen-year-old Marvelous Okem highlighted the lessons on rebounding and defensive techniques, calling the program both “entertaining and educating.” For 17-year-old Abasilim Ekene, it was his first basketball camp, and he left impressed, vowing to attend future editions. Meanwhile, 16-year-old Destiny Sunday appreciated the clinic’s holistic approach, which included life skills such as personal hygiene, respect, and humility alongside basketball training.
This year’s edition will feature rigorous training sessions, skill competitions (including Slam Dunk and 3-Pointer contests), All-Star games, and MVP. The biggest attraction, however, is the chance for standout players to secure college scholarships, a move that aligns with Atilola’s mission to create life-changing opportunities for young athletes.
A graduate of Kentucky State University, Atilola has pledged to make the clinic an annual event, ensuring continuous growth for Nigeria’s budding basketball talent. “We’re not just teaching basketball; we’re shaping futures,” he said. “This year, we’re taking it further by linking talent with education, because sports and academics should go hand in hand.”
With over 60 participants in its debut edition, the 2025 clinic is expected to attract even more young athletes eager to learn, compete, and potentially earn scholarships.
