Invest In African Youths, Dabiri-Erewa Urges Diaspora Athletes
Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), has urged Nigerian athletes in the diaspora to invest actively in the next generation of African talents.
Dabiri-Erewa in a statement issued by NiDCOM’s Violet Nwosu,made the call while receiving Nigerian basketball star Ejimofor “E.J.” Anosike and his co-founder, Ibrahim Famouke Doumbia, at the Commission’s office in Abuja.
The visit was made under the banner of the Meta Africa Sports Foundation.
Dabiri-Erewa praised the Foundation’s efforts in supporting young Africans through sports and mentorship, describing it as a strong example of how Nigerians in the diaspora, and Africans generally, can contribute meaningfully to youth development across the continent.
She expressed hope that the Initiative would inspire more athletes and professionals abroad to become mentors and leaders in sports, education and youth empowerment.
Speaking during the visit, 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, 2026), and All-Star Slam Dunk Champion (2026), described giving back as 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.
Speaking on the Foundation’s vision, Anosike said it was built on a simple but powerful idea: empowering young Africans through sports, education and life skills.
According to him, the Foundation has, over the past four to five years, 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.
In addition, over 10 young Africans are currently playing in the US.Beyond sports, the Initiative also runs English language training alongside basketball programmes, equipping young people with skills that extend beyond the court.
Doumbia, co-founder of the Foundation and a professional basketball player, said 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 and nurture emerging talents at the grassroots level.
He further called on diaspora athletes to invest in African sports and youth development, describing the continent’s sports industry as a growing sector with enormous potential.
