The Chairman/CEO of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has emphasized the pivotal role of diaspora engagement in advancing sports development in Nigeria during an event honoring WNBA legends Lisa Leslie and Chiney Ogwumike.
Dabiri-Erewa, hosting the renowned basketball figures in Abuja, hailed their expertise, skills, and potential to contribute significantly to grooming local talents, presenting a pathway for volunteerism and impactful collaboration in the nation’s sports sector.
The Minister of Sports Development, Sen John Enoh, announced plans to establish a Diaspora Sports desk, envisioning a rebranding of Nigeria’s sports development.
He commended the diaspora commission and encouraged the honorees to continue their efforts in advancing sports development.
Hon Tochukwu Chinedu Okere, Chairman of the House Committee on Diaspora Affairs, applauded Chiney Ogwumike for her passion and contributions to basketball.
Okere urged the honorees to be catalysts for positive change in Nigeria’s basketball development.
Amb. Samson Itegboje, representing the Minister of Foreign Affairs, highlighted the need for unity, diversity, and collaboration to achieve the objectives of Diaspora Sports Development.
He praised the WNBA stars for embodying these values.
Lisa Leslie, the first woman to dunk in basketball, expressed gratitude for the warm reception in Nigeria and acknowledged the positive attitude of Nigerians.
She emphasized the transformative power of basketball and her commitment to promoting fairness and equity for women in the sport.
Chiney Ogwumike, thrilled to be back in Nigeria, commended the leadership of Hon Abike Dabiri-Erewa and pledged to contribute to basketball development in the country.
As the youngest appointee among the US President’s Cabinet, Ogwumike is passionate about diversifying and growing basketball, especially for women in Nigeria.
Gbemisola Abudu, Vice President of NBA Africa and Country Head, NBA Nigeria, disclosed that 50 out of 120 basketballers of African descent are Nigerians playing for US teams.
She emphasized the significance of establishing the NBA Africa branch to nurture local talents and potentially produce the next basketball icons.
The event concluded with solidarity messages from representatives of the FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and sports enthusiasts, acknowledging the profound impact of Lisa Leslie and Chiney Ogwumike on the development of basketball in Nigeria.
