The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has called on Nigerian athletes in the diaspora to actively invest in nurturing the next generation of African talents.
Dabiri-Erewa made the appeal while receiving Nigerian basketball star Ejimofor Anosike and his co-founder, Ibrahim Famouke Doumbia, during a courtesy visit to the Commission’s office in Abuja under the banner of the Meta Africa Sports Foundation.
In a statement signed by Violet Nwosu of NiDCOM’s Media, Public Relations and Protocol Unit, Dabiri-Erewa commended the Foundation’s commitment to youth empowerment through sports and mentorship, describing it as a model for diaspora engagement in Africa’s development.
She expressed optimism that the initiative would inspire more Nigerians and Africans abroad to contribute to youth development by serving as mentors and investing in sectors such as sports and education.
Speaking during the visit, Anosike—who recently clinched multiple accolades including the 2026 NBL Championship and Finals MVP—emphasised that giving back is a personal responsibility.
“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.
He explained that the Foundation was built on the vision of empowering young Africans through sports, education and life skills. According to him, the organisation has mentored hundreds of youths across the continent over the past five years and donated nearly 3,000 pairs of basketball shoes, including about 400 pairs to young Nigerians.
Anosike added that more than 10 young Africans supported by the initiative are currently playing basketball in the United States, highlighting the programme’s growing impact.
Beyond sports, he noted that the Foundation also integrates English language training into its programmes to equip participants with broader life skills.
Doumbia, co-founder of the Foundation, revealed that the organisation established an academy in Mali last year, offering training in sports, education, agriculture and entrepreneurship.
READ ALSO: ₦9bn Airline Debt: Stakeholders Call for Government Incentives to Sustain Aviation Ground Handlers
Looking ahead, Anosike announced plans to launch Under-16 and Under-18 basketball tournaments in Nigeria later this year to identify and develop grassroots talents.
He further urged diaspora athletes to invest in Africa’s sports sector, describing it as a rapidly growing industry with vast opportunities for youth empowerment and economic development.
About The Author
