Basketball mourns as former FIBA Africa COO Yira Yacouba dies
..Yacouba, a passionate basketball administrator who helped strengthen the sport in Africa - FIBA Zone 3 President Ahmedu
The African basketball community has been thrown into mourning following the death of former FIBA Africa Chief Operating Officer, Yira Yacouba.
His death was announced by the President of FIBA Africa Zone 3, Col Sam Ahmedu, (rtd) who confirmed that Yacouba died on Sunday afternoon at a clinic where he had been admitted a day earlier.
In a message to members of the Zone and basketball family, Ahmedu expressed deep sorrow over the loss of the respected basketball administrator, describing his death as a painful moment for the sport across the continent.
“It is with deep sorrow and sadness that I announce the passing of Mr. Yira Yacouba, former FIBA Africa COO. He passed away Sunday in the late afternoon at the clinic where he had been admitted the day before,” Ahmedu stated.
Yacouba, who hailed from Côte d’Ivoire, served for many years as the Chief Operating Officer of FIBA Africa, where he played a significant role in the growth and administration of basketball across the continent.
Beyond his administrative duties, he was also deeply involved at the club level as a part owner of the CSA Women’s Basketball Club of Abidjan, contributing to the development of women’s basketball in his home country.
Ahmedu added that FIBA Africa officials are already in contact with the family regarding burial arrangements and other formalities, assuring members that further information will be communicated in due course.
Ahmadu stated that late Yacouba will be remembered as a passionate basketball administrator whose work helped strengthen the structures of the sport in Africa.
The basketball fraternity across Africa has continued to offer prayers and condolences, asking the Almighty God to give his family, friends and associates the strength to cope with this huge loss.
