NiDCOM Chairman Honors WNBA Legends Lisa Leslie and Chiney Ogwumike for Contributions to Nigerian Sports Development

Eko Hot Blog reports that in a resounding tribute to the pivotal role of diaspora engagement in sports development, Hon Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), hosted two illustrious basketball icons, Lisa Leslie and Chiney Ogwumike, at a distinguished event in Abuja.

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Dabiri-Erewa emphasized the untapped potential of leveraging diaspora expertise, skills, and investment in transforming Nigeria’s sports landscape.

The NiDCOM Chairman underscored the strategic importance of sports figures like Leslie and Ogwumike, praising their commitment to nurturing homegrown talents as a form of voluntary contribution to Nigeria. Minister of Sports Development, Sen John Enoh, announced plans to establish a Diaspora Sports desk, heralding a new era in the rebranding of sports development in Nigeria.

Sen Owan Enoh envisioned the Nigerian sports industry as a platform for networking and investment opportunities, particularly with the diaspora component seen as a significant gold mine. He lauded the NiDCOM for its engagement efforts and urged the honored women to continue their contributions to sports development.

Hon Tochukwu Chinedu Okere, Chairman of the House Committee on Diaspora Affairs, expressed solidarity with the WNBA professionals, especially Nigerian-American Chiney Ogwumike, praising her passion and dedication to her country. He urged them to play a pivotal role in elevating basketball development in Nigeria.

Amb. Samson Itegboje, representing the Minister of Foreign Affairs, stressed the importance of unity, diversity, hard work, and collaboration in achieving effective diaspora sports development. He commended the WNBA stars for embodying these values.

Lisa Leslie, the first woman to dunk in basketball, expressed gratitude for the warm reception in Nigeria, highlighting the shared positive attitudes seen in Nigerian diasporas. Leslie emphasized her commitment to fairness and equity for women in basketball, pledging to contribute to youth sports development.

Chiney Ogwumike, the Nigerian-American diaspora basketballer and broadcaster, commended the NiDCOM leadership for the thoughtful honor and promised to contribute to basketball development in Nigeria. As the youngest member of the US President’s Cabinet, Ogwumike underscored her passion for diversified sports development and bringing expertise to grow basketball in Nigeria, especially for women.

Gbemisola Abudu, Vice President of NBA Africa and Country Head of NBA Nigeria, disclosed that 50 out of the 120 basketballers of African descent are Nigerians playing for US teams. She highlighted the NBA’s commitment to establishing its Africa branch, aiming to cultivate local talents who could become the next basketball legends.

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Solidarity messages from FCT Minister Nyesom Wike’s representatives and sports enthusiasts were acknowledged, marking an event that not only celebrates achievements but also charts a course for the transformative power of diaspora engagement in Nigerian sports.

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