NiDCOM Chairman Abike Dabiri-Erewa has urged Nigerian athletes abroad to do more to nurture young African talent through sports, mentorship, and education.
She made the call Monday in Abuja while hosting Nigerian basketball star Ejimofor ‘E.J.’ Anosike and co-founder Ibrahim Famouke Doumbia of the Meta Africa Sports Foundation.
Dabiri-Erewa said diaspora professionals and athletes have the experience and influence to inspire a new generation of African youth to excel in both sports and academics. She described the foundation’s work as a practical model for how Nigerians abroad can contribute to youth development and human capital growth.
“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,” Anosike said.
The former league standout said the foundation has mentored hundreds of young Africans over five years and donated nearly 3,000 pairs of basketball shoes across the continent, including 400 pairs in Nigeria. More than 10 beneficiaries are now playing basketball in the U.S., he added, noting that the program combines English language training with sports to expand opportunities beyond athletics.
Doumbia said the foundation launched an academy in Mali last year covering sports training, education, agriculture, and entrepreneurship.
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Anosike also announced plans to host U-16 and U-18 basketball tournaments in Nigeria later this year to scout grassroots talent. He called on more diaspora athletes and investors to channel resources into Africa’s sports sector, saying the continent’s untapped potential can drive youth empowerment and economic growth.
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