By Nkechi Eze
The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has called on Nigerian athletes in the diaspora to invest actively in the development of young African talents through sports, education and mentorship initiatives.
According to an official signed statement by the Media, Public Relations and Protocol Unit of NiDCOM, Violet Nwosu, Dabiri-Erewa 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 during a visit under the banner of the Meta Africa Sports Foundation.
Dabiri-Erewa commended the Foundation for its commitment to supporting young Africans through sports and mentorship programmes, describing the initiative as a practical demonstration of how Nigerians in the diaspora and Africans abroad can contribute meaningfully to youth empowerment and continental development.
She expressed optimism that the initiative would encourage more athletes and professionals in the diaspora to become mentors and champions of youth advancement in sports and education.
Speaking during the visit, Anosike described giving back to society as a personal obligation, noting that his success was made possible through the support of many people.
“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 holds multiple basketball accolades, including the NBL Championship and Finals MVP in 2026, said the Foundation was established to empower young Africans through sports, education and life skills development.
He disclosed that the Foundation has mentored hundreds of young people across Africa over the last four to five years and donated nearly 3,000 pairs of basketball shoes across the continent, including about 400 pairs distributed to young Nigerians.
According to him, more than 10 young Africans supported by the initiative are currently playing basketball in the United States.
Beyond basketball development, Anosike explained that the Foundation also integrates English language training into its programmes to equip participants with valuable communication and educational skills outside sports.
Doumbia, a professional basketball player and co-founder of the Foundation, revealed that the organisation established an academy in Mali last year, offering training in sports, education, agriculture and entrepreneurship.
Anosike further announced plans to organise Under-16 and Under-18 basketball tournaments in Nigeria later this year as part of efforts to discover and nurture grassroots talents.
He also urged diaspora athletes to channel investments into African sports and youth development, describing the continent’s sports industry as an emerging sector with vast opportunities for growth and impact.
