The NBA’s Her Time To Play Leadership Series debuted in Nigeria on March 15, 2025, at Vivian Fowler Memorial College, attracting 87 young women. The event featured discussions on leadership and career opportunities, with notable panelists including Gbemisola Abudu. This series continues efforts to empower women through basketball, building on past initiatives in Angola and South Africa.
On March 15, 2025, the National Basketball Association (NBA) hosted its inaugural Her Time To Play (HTTP) Leadership Series in Nigeria at Vivian Fowler Memorial College for Girls, Lagos. This significant event included two panel discussions and a brief fireside chat featuring NBA Africa Vice President and NBA Nigeria Country Head, Gbemisola Abudu. The occasion successfully gathered 87 young women, emphasizing youth development and enhancing connections through basketball.
The first panel discussion, titled “Owning Your Power,” focused on themes such as 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’s Head of Public Policy for West Africa; and Mayowa Kuyoro, Partner at McKinsey Nigeria.
The second panel, named “Beyond the Game,” explored diverse career opportunities available in today’s dynamic world. Featured speakers included Olutoyin M. Odulate, Founder & 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 is a continuation of HTTP initiatives previously organized in Angola and South Africa, positively impacting over 2,000 girls and women since 2023. The event concluded with a fireside chat featuring Gbemisola Abudu, moderated by Bolanle Olukanni, a prominent Nigerian television host.
The HTTP initiative exemplifies the NBA’s dedication to empowering girls by expanding on existing grassroots programs like the Jr. NBA, which fosters the growth of youth and coaches in basketball.
The Her Time To Play Leadership Series by the NBA in Nigeria marks a significant step towards empowering young women through basketball. With engaging discussions on leadership and career opportunities, the event provided invaluable support and inspiration to the attendees. This initiative underscores the NBA’s commitment to fostering growth and development among girls and women, aligning with previous successes in Angola and South Africa.
Original Source: www.bellanaija.com
