By Enitan Abdultawab American Cola has unveiled its newly renovated basketball court in Ilupeju, Lagos, as part of its efforts to support grassroots basketball and provide better facilities for young talents in the community. The unveiling, held in partnership with the Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye Local Council Development Area, also featured the presentation of new jerseys to the council’s male and female basketball teams, as well as the second edition of the American Cola Shoot the Hoop and Half Court tournaments. The revamped facility, now known as the American Cola Creative Court, is expected to serve as a platform for basketball development while providing young people with opportunities to engage in other creative and cultural activities. Marketing Manager of Planet Bottling Company, Naji Awada, while speaking during the unveiling, said the initiative was designed to go beyond the physical renovation of the court and help nurture talents. “This project is not about paint, new hoops, or putting up a logo on that fence. It’s about renewing the passion for basketball, bringing talent into this court, hopefully seeing stars because of this court. “And it’s about bringing communities together, building friendships, building memories, and hopefully building a future for one of these great talents that we have here today.” Awada said the company was looking beyond the Ilupeju project, noting that it intended to replicate similar initiatives in other communities. “Hopefully it will not be the last project when it comes to basketball. We are looking to do more, especially in different communities, to bring together all of the people under the same roof, which is the talent that mostly we miss out on, because no one is giving them the right attention. “Hopefully we will be on that road, and we will do such beautiful things for that sport.” Also speaking, Communications Manager of Planet Bottling Company, Franklyn Eluagu, said the company was identifying basketball communities across Lagos where it could improve playing facilities and create better conditions for players. “For American Cola globally, the countries that we belong to, we love basketball. And all the communities that play basketball in Lagos, starting with Lagos, we are identifying them and seeing what we can do as a brand to improve the conditions when it comes to the community and the courts for the basketball players.” Eluagu said the initiative was aimed at contributing to the growth of basketball in Lagos and other parts of the country. “For the youth, this would bring a place for them to, beyond basketball, hone their skills. So for those who love graffiti, for those who love music, for those who love dance, it’s made the court to look a lot better in terms of the beauty of the court.” He added that the facility would provide an avenue for young people and schools interested in basketball to develop and showcase their talents. “For the communities, schools that love basketball can find a place that they can come to and feel very welcome in terms of what their skills are and the talent that they’re trying to showcase.” Meanwhile, Chairman of the Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye Local Council Development Area, Oduwoye, said the project had already begun attracting residents from the community and neighbouring local governments. “It has already started benefiting the people of Ilupeju. As you can see, we have a lot of fans here today. And it’s not only from Odi-Olowo, we have people from other local governments also coming to use this pitch.” He described the facility as an outdoor standard sporting space with fitness facilities, adding that the partnership had brought renewed activity to the community. “For us, it’s a bit of pride for the local government that American Cola partnered with us and is a beneficiary partner with us, and has also brought more life to our local government.” Oduwoye said the project also aligned with the council’s efforts to engage young people through sports and provide alternatives to street activities. “It’s not only about American Cola, it’s also about the local government showing special support and taking steps to take the youth out of the streets.” He further disclosed that discussions were underway to extend the partnership beyond basketball to other sports and recreational facilities within the council area. According to him, the council has identified about five parks in Odi-Olowo and Ilupeju that could benefit from similar interventions. “In Odi-Olowo or Ilupeju Estate, we have about five parks which I’ve highlighted to the managing director. These parks are there, they’re parks but they
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