Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon Abike Dabiri- Erewa, has noted that sports development in Nigeria will go a long way if its diaspora component is fully harnessed and developed through knowledge-sharing, expertise, skills, and investment in the Sector.

Dabiri-Erewa made this known as she hosted the duo of the Naismith Basketball Memorial Hall of Famer, Lisa Leslie, and two-time WNBA All-Star, Chiney Ogwumike in Abuja, Nigeria.

The NiDCOM Chairman described the likes of Leslie and Ogwumike as strategic and important for the advancement of sports development in Nigeria. She noted that since they are embedded with skills and resources to groom home-grown talents, this is a  way of volunteerism and giving back to Nigeria.

The NIDCOM Boss extolled the virtues and enormous energies Lisa and Chiney have brought to bear in basketball, adding that they have equally inspired younger women.

Minister of Sports Development, Sen John Enoh, who was  Special guest of honor at the event, disclosed that the Ministry will soon create a Diaspora Sports desk as a step further in rebranding sports development in Nigeria.

Enoh expressed optimism that the Nigerian sports industry will skyrocket into a platform that will promote networking and investment opportunities with the who’s who in Nigeria and in the international sports arena, especially with the Diaspora component which is a huge gold mine.

He commended the Diaspora Commission for what it does for Diaspora Engagement, while encouraging the female honourees to do more for Sports Development.

Also, the chairman, House Committee on Diaspora Affairs, Hon Tochukwu Chinedu Okere,  expressed solidarity and applauded the WNBA Women Basketball Professionals, especially the Nigerian-American, Chiney (Chinenye) Ogwumike, who has demonstrated unmitigated passion and love for her country, Nigeria.

Hon. Okere asserted that Ogwumike can be counted among the over 50% of Nigerians who have pursued higher degrees in tertiary institutions and built a name that have brought pride and honour to Nigeria for themselves.

He therefore urged them to cause a turnaround in Basketball development in Nigeria.

Meanwhile, representative of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Samson Itegboje noted that soft power through unity, diversity, hardwork, and collaboration is needed to achieve an objective Diaspora Sports Development.

He commended the WNBA Stars for following worthy values that resonates within them.

Lisa Leslie, the first Woman to dunk in basketball, appreciated the warmth she has received since her arrival in Nigeria adding that the same attitude is seen in Nigerian diasporas which clearly indicates the true friendship, kind, and happy nature of Nigerians, asides their diligence, industry, and high moral values.

She added that basketball has impacted so much for her and has paved the way to push for fairness and equity for women in the game in terms of number, ethnicity, and other factors.

The former American WNBA player further stated that the youth are the future, adding that they are passionately driven to help the youths in sports development.

Chiney (Chinenye) Ogwumike, who was super excited to be back home, commended the leadership of Hon Abike Dabiri-Erewa and NIDCOM Management and Staff for a well-thought-out honour accorded them and promised to give back to her country, Nigeria, by accentuating Baskellball development in Nigeria.

Although the youngest among the recently appointees of the US President’s Cabinet, the Nigeria-American Diaspora Basketballer and Broadcaster said she is very passionate about sports development, especially Basketball.

She agreed that sports, like oil and gas industry, needed to be diversified, which is why she is bringing in skills and expertise in growing basketball, especially for Women in Nigeria.

Vice President, NBA Africa and Country Head, NBA Nigeria, Gbemisola Abudu, informed that 50 out of the 120 basketballers of African descent are Nigerians playing for US basketball teams, which is one of the reasons the Association established its Africa branch.

According to her, taking this step will help produce more local talents that will become the next Michael Jordan, Lisa Leslie, or Chiney Ogwumike in the American teams.