Dabiri-Erewa Urges Diaspora Athletes To Invest In African Youth Development

The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has called on athletes living abroad to invest in the next generation of African talent through sports, mentorship and education.

She made the appeal in Abuja while receiving Ejimofor “E.J.” Anosike and his co-founder Ibrahim Famouke Doumbia during a visit organised under the Meta Africa Sports Foundation.

Dabiri-Erewa commended the foundation for supporting young Africans through sports and mentorship.

She described the initiative as a strong example of how Nigerians abroad and Africans globally can contribute to youth development across the continent.

She expressed hope that the project would inspire more professionals overseas to become mentors and leaders in sports, education and empowerment.

Speaking during the visit, Anosike highlighted his motivation for giving back. “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.

The basketball star explained that the foundation is built on the goal of empowering young Africans through sports, education and life skills.

Over the past four to five years, the initiative has mentored hundreds of young people across Africa and donated nearly 3,000 pairs of basketball shoes, including about 400 pairs to Nigerian youths.

More than 10 young Africans supported by the programme are currently playing basketball in the United States.

Beyond sport, the foundation runs English language training alongside basketball programmes to equip participants with broader skills.

Doumbia revealed that the organisation opened an academy in Mali last year, offering training in sports, education, agriculture and entrepreneurship.

Anosike also announced plans to launch Under-16 and Under-18 basketball tournaments in Nigeria later this year to identify emerging grassroots talent.