NBA Nigeria Celebrates Women’s Month with Her Time To Play Leadership Event

The NBA held its first Her Time To Play Leadership Series in Nigeria on March 15, 2025, at Vivian Fowler Memorial College for Girls. The event featured leadership discussions aimed at empowering young women through basketball, with notable speakers participating in panels focused on leadership and diverse career opportunities. Gbemisola Abudu addressed attendees, culminating in a successful engagement of 87 young women.

The National Basketball Association (NBA) successfully conducted its inaugural Her Time To Play (HTTP) Leadership Series in Nigeria on March 15, 2025, at Vivian Fowler Memorial College for Girls in Lagos. This event was designed to engage 87 young women in discussions centered on youth development, collaboration, and active participation of girls and women in basketball, both on and off the court.

The first panel discussion, entitled ‘Owning Your Power,’ concentrated on themes of leadership, confidence, and overcoming barriers. Esteemed speakers included Ibukun Abidoye, Executive Vice President of Music at Chocolate City Music and Founder of The Nahla Initiative; Sade Dada, Meta Head of Public Policy for West Africa; and Mayowa Kuyoro, Partner at McKinsey Nigeria.

The second panel, ‘Beyond the Game,’ spotlighted various career opportunities within an evolving landscape. Notable contributors were Olutoyin M. Odulate, Founder and CEO of Olori Beauty Enterprises; Titi Ogufere, CEO of Essential Media Group; and Nissi Ogulu, Founder of Creele Animation Studios. This all-female leadership series follows similar initiatives in Angola and South Africa, which have cumulatively reached over 2,000 women and girls since 2023.

The event culminated in a fireside chat featuring Gbemisola Abudu, NBA Africa Vice President and NBA Nigeria Country Head, moderated by Bolanle Olukanni, a prominent Nigerian television host. The HTTP initiative aims to empower girls globally and extends the NBA’s Jr. NBA programming focused on the development of youth and coaches.

The NBA’s inaugural Her Time To Play Leadership Series in Nigeria marked a significant stride in empowering young women through basketball. By fostering leadership and exploring diverse career avenues, the event provided invaluable insights and connections. This initiative builds upon previous efforts in Africa, promoting the versatility and potential of girls in sports and leadership roles.

Original Source: www.bellanaija.com