NiDCOM Chairman, Abike Dabiri- Erewa, and WNBA stars Lisa Leslie and Chiney Ogwumike
Eko Hot Blog reports that the Chairman/CEO of theNigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon Abike Dabiri- Erewa, has hosted the duo of the Naismith Basketball Memorial Hall of Famer Lisa Leslie and two-time WNBA All-Star Chiney Ogwumike in Abuja, Nigeria.
According to a statement issued by Gabriel Ordu, the commission’s spokesperson, she met the duo in Abuja, Nigeria, on Wednesday, January 17, 2024.
The NiDCOM chairman has reiterated the fact that Sports Development in Nigeria will go a long way if its Diaspora Component is fully harnessed and developed through knowledge-sharing, expertise, skills and investment in the sector.
NiDCOM Chairman, Abike Dabiri- Erewa, and WNBA stars Lisa Leslie and Chiney Ogwumike
Dabiri-Erewa described the likes of Leslie and Ogwumike as strategic and important for the advancement in sports development in Nigeria since they are embedded with skills and resources to groom home-grown talents as a way of volunteerism and giving back to Nigeria.
The NIDCOM boss extolled the virtues and enormous energies the WNBA Legends have brought to bear on basketball, adding that they have equally inspired younger women.
On his part, Minister of Sports Development, Sen John Enoh, Special guest of honor at the event, said the ministry will soon create a Diaspora Sports desk, as a step further in rebranding sports development in Nigeria.
NiDCOM Chairman, Abike Dabiri- Erewa, and WNBA stars Lisa Leslie and Chiney Ogwumike
Enoh expressed optimism that the Nigerian sports industry will skyrocket into a platform that will promote networking and investment opportunities with who’s who in Nigeria and in the international sports arena especially with the Diaspora component which is a huge gold mine.
He commended the Diaspora Commission for what it does for Diaspora Engagement; while encouraging the female honourees, to do more for Sports Development.
Similarly, the Chairman, House Committee on Diaspora Affairs, Hon Tochukwu Chinedu Okere expressed solidarity and applauded the WNBA Women Basketball Professionals, especially the Nigerian-American Ogwumike, who he said has demonstrated “unmitigated passion and love” for her country, Nigeria.
Hon. Okere asserted that Ogwumike can be counted among the over 50% of Nigerians who have or pursued higher degrees in tertiary institutions, and built a name for themselves that have brought pride and honour to Nigeria.
The lawmaker therefore urged them to cause a turn around in Basketball development in Nigeria.
Meanwhile, the representative of the Minister of Foreign Affairs Amb. Samson Itegboje, noted that soft power through unity, diversity, hardwork and collaboration is needed to achieve an objective Diaspora Sports Development.
Amb. Itegboje commended the WNBA stars for following worthy values that resonates within them.
Leslie, the first Woman to dunk in basketball, appreciated the warmth she has received since her arrival in Nigeria, adding that the same attitude is seen in Nigerian Diasporas which clearly indicates the true friendship, kind and happy nature of Nigerians, aside their diligence, industry and high moral values.
She said basketball has impacted so much for her and had paved way to push for fairness and equity for women in the game, in terms of number, ethnicity and other factors.
The American former WNBA player said she understands that the youth are the future and they are passionately driven to help the youths in sports development.
Ogwumike, super excited to be back home, promised to give back to her country, Nigeria by accentuating Basketball development in Nigeria.
As a recent appointee, although the youngest, among the US President’s Cabinet,
the Nigeria-American Diaspora Basketballer and Broadcaster said she is very passionate about sports development, especially basketball.
She agreed that sports, like oil and gas industry, needed to be diversified which is why she is bringing in skills and expertise in growing basketball, especially for Women in Nigeria.
Vice President, NBA Africa and Country Head, NBA Nigeria, Gbemisola Abudu, revealed that 50 out of the 120 basketballers of African descent are Nigerians, playing for US basketball teams; which is one of the reasons the association established its Africa branch.
According to her, taking this step will help produce more local talents that will become the next Michael Jordan, Leslie, or Ogwumike in the American teams.
Solidarity messages from the Representatives of the FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and Sports enthusiasts were acknowledged.
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