- NiDCOM Boss Calls On Nigerian Athletes Abroad To Support Youth Development
- Dabiri-Erewa expressed optimism that the project would encourage more diaspora professionals and athletes to become mentors and role models in sports
- 10 young Africans currently playing basketball in the United States have benefited from the programme
The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has called on Nigerian athletes living abroad to invest in the development of young African talents through sports and mentorship initiatives.
Eko Hot Blog reports that Dabiri-Erewa made the appeal while receiving Nigerian basketball star Ejimofor Anosike and his co-founder, Ibrahim Famouke Doumbia, at the commission’s office in Abuja during a visit under the banner of the Meta Africa Sports Foundation.
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In a statement issued by the commission’s Media, Public Relations and Protocol Unit and signed by Violet Nwosu, the NiDCOM boss commended the foundation for its efforts in empowering African youths through sports, education and mentorship.
She described the initiative as a strong example of how Nigerians in the diaspora and Africans abroad can contribute meaningfully to youth development across the continent.
Dabiri-Erewa expressed optimism that the project would encourage more diaspora professionals and athletes to become mentors and role models in sports, education and youth empowerment.
Speaking during the visit, Anosike said giving back to society remained a personal responsibility for him.
“It took a village to raise me to where I am today. This is my own way of giving back to Nigeria and helping young people discover their potential,” he said.
The basketball star, who has recorded several achievements in his career, said the foundation was created to empower young Africans through sports, education and life skills development.
According to him, the initiative has mentored hundreds of youths across Africa over the last few years and donated nearly 3,000 pairs of basketball shoes across the continent, including about 400 pairs distributed in Nigeria.
He added that more than 10 young Africans currently playing basketball in the United States have benefited from the programme.
Beyond sports, the foundation also offers English language training alongside basketball programmes to equip participants with broader life and communication skills.
Doumbia, co-founder of the foundation and a professional basketball player, disclosed that the organisation opened an academy in Mali last year focused on sports, education, agriculture and entrepreneurship training.
Anosike also announced plans to organise Under-16 and Under-18 basketball tournaments in Nigeria later this year as part of efforts to discover and nurture grassroots talents.
He further urged diaspora athletes to invest in Africa’s sports industry, describing the sector as one with enormous opportunities for youth development and economic growth.
