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Ejike Ugboaja, a graduate of Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, was among 340 Nigerians and friends of the country former President Buhari conferred the 2023 special national awards on Sunday as his parting gift.
Ugboaja began his basketball career at the Youth Movement Christian Association in 1999 from where he was selected to represent Kaduna State at the National Sports Festival in Oyo State in 2001. His performance at the Ibadan Games earned him a place on one of the perennial powerhouse basketball clubs of Nigeria, the Yelwa Hawks.
Ejike’s biggest dream came true when he was drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers with the 55th pick in the 2006 NBA Draft. He is the only player in history to be drafted directly from Africa to the NBA.
He represented Nigeria at the 2002 U-18 African Championships in Egypt, 2003 U18 World Championships in Greece, 2005 U-21 World Championships in Argentina, and the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Australia.
He was a member of Nigeria’s Senior National Team, competing at the highest international level including the London 2012 Olympics.
Ugboaja said the national honour award will spur him to do more for the country.
“This honour by my President, Muhammadu Buhari came exactly the day I was born. I am happy my country has remembered me at last. It’s a thing of joy to serve your country and you are appreciated. This will spur me to do more for the country,” he stated.
