The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has called on Nigerian athletes living abroad to invest actively in the development of young African talents through sports, education and mentorship.
Dabiri-Erewa made the call while receiving Nigerian basketball star Ejimofor Anosike, popularly known as E.J. 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.
She commended the Foundation for its contributions to youth development across Africa through sports and mentorship programmes, describing the initiative as a shining example of how Nigerians in the diaspora and Africans abroad can contribute meaningfully to society.
The NiDCOM boss expressed optimism that the initiative would inspire more athletes and professionals in the diaspora to become mentors and leaders in sports, education and youth empowerment.
Speaking during the visit, Anosike described giving back to society as a personal responsibility, noting that community support played a major role in his rise to success.
“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.
Anosike, who recently made history by winning multiple major basketball accolades, said the Foundation was established to empower young Africans through sports, education and life skills development.
According to him, the organisation has mentored hundreds of young people across Africa over the past five years and donated nearly 3,000 pairs of basketball shoes across the continent, including about 400 pairs distributed to young Nigerians.
He added that more than 10 young Africans are currently playing basketball in the United States through opportunities linked to the Foundation.
Beyond sports, Anosike said the initiative also provides English language training alongside basketball programmes to equip participants with skills beyond athletics.
Doumbia revealed that the Foundation opened an academy in Mali last year, offering training in sports, education, agriculture and entrepreneurship.
Anosike also announced plans to organise Under-16 and Under-18 basketball tournaments in Nigeria later this year to discover and nurture young talents at the grassroots level.
He further urged diaspora athletes to invest in African sports and youth development, describing the continent’s sports industry as a rapidly growing sector with huge potential.
