By: Margaret Ebeshi
The Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Dr. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has called on Nigerian athletes living abroad to actively invest in the development of young African talents through sports, mentorship and education.
Dr. Dabiri-Erewa made the appeal while receiving Nigerian basketball star Ejimofor Anosike and his co-founder, Ibrahim Famouke Doumbia, during a visit to the Commission’s office in Abuja under the banner of the Meta Africa Sports Foundation.
She commended the Foundation for its efforts in supporting young Africans through sports and mentorship, describing the initiative as a strong example of how Nigerians in the diaspora and Africans abroad can contribute meaningfully to youth development across the continent.
According to her, the initiative should inspire more diaspora athletes and professionals 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 his success was made possible through the support of many people.
The Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Dr. Abike Dabiri-Erewa (c) with Nigerian basketball star Ejimofor Anosike.
“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 is the first player in the history of the league to win all major accolades, including the NBL Championship (2026), Finals MVP (2026), Regular Season Scoring Leader (2024), Best International Player (2025), two-time All-Star (2025 and 2026), and All-Star Slam Dunk Champion (2026), explained that the Foundation was established to empower young Africans through sports, education and life skills.
He disclosed that over the last four to five years, the Foundation has mentored hundreds of young people across Africa and donated nearly 3,000 pairs of basketball shoes across the continent, including about 400 pairs distributed to young Nigerians.
The Nigerian basketball star added that more than 10 young Africans are currently playing basketball in the United States through opportunities connected to the initiative. Anosike said the Foundation also provides English language training alongside basketball programmes to equip young people with skills.
Anosike also announced plans to launch U-16 and U18 basketball tournaments in Nigeria later this year, to help identify and nurture grassroots talents.
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 enormous potential
