The United States has pledged to increase her investment in developing basketball in Nigeria, aiming to open more opportunities for Nigerians to play in the NBA, Completesports.com.
U.S. Consul General, Will Stevens, announced this on Wednesday, August 21, during the opening ceremony of the “What If Youth and Women Empowerment Initiative” (WIYWEI) Basketball Camp in Lagos.
Also Read:Boniface Suspended For One Game In Germany
WIYWEI Basketball Camp was convened by Nigerian professional basketball player Precious Achiuwa.
US Consul General, Will Stevens taking selfie with Nigeria professional basketball Player, Precious Achiuwa and the budding basketball players
Stevens noted that Nigeria boasts boundless talent across various sectors in the US, and his country, through the U.S. African Development Foundation (USADF), leverages this talent to give back to their respective communities.
“Precious is a member of Nigeria’s diaspora in the United States. There are 750,000 Nigerians thriving in the US, and Nigeria is the single most successful diaspora group in terms of income and education levels,” Stevens said.
“We are working to empower the diaspora so that when they return, they can contribute to their communities. It is truly inspiring to see Precious come back.”
He emphasised that the US league is open to more Nigerian players.
Stevens added: “We want to see more players making their way into the US league, and you have seen that commitment from our company, the NBA. They are investing in Nigeria because they recognise the potential and talent, and they are wisely involving stars with deep ties to Nigeria to lead the way.”
“We are expecting not just investment but also the opening of more offices, programs, camps, supporters, and organizations like this.”
Travis Adkins, President and CEO of USADF, described the initiative as socio-economic empowerment, aimed at supporting African countries.
“Our mandate is to support the everyday people of Africa in developing their enterprises so they can improve their chances in life, increase income, and become job creators in their own nations,” Adkins said.
Precious Achiuwa, who plays for the New York Knicks in the NBA, added that the initiative was designed to support budding basketball players in Nigeria.
“The most important thing is giving them the opportunity to pursue their dreams without looking back, just as I did,” Achiuwa stated.
“I understand the significance of engaging with these kids and don’t take it for granted. I am very involved with them.”
By Dotun Omisakin
Got what it Takes?
Predict and Win Millions Now
COMMENTS
U.S.A. too have their own problem. A country carrying almost $40 trillion in national debt.
Gbese don hook dem for throat. Dem never help themselves, how dem wan take help us?
Instead of relying on them to help us, we should help ourselves. This is one area where I agree that we should “look inwards”.