Chiney Ogwumike gifts Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu Houston Rockets jersey
The Governor of Lagos State Babajide Sanwo-Olu welcomed WNBA Player of Nigerian descent Chiney Ogwumike.
Sanwo-Olu welcomed Ogwumike and a crew from the NBA to the state house.
Sanwo-Olu and Ogwumike
Ogwumike, a former WNBA All-Star and current broadcaster for ESPN, presented a Houston Rockets jersey as a gesture of appreciation for Sanwo-Olu
The Houston Rockets jersey had the name of the Governor as well as with Ogwumike’s name and number 34.
The number on the jersey was that of iconic NBA player of Nigerian descent Hakeem Olajuwon who was born in Lagos.
The governor took to social media to celebrate the meeting with Ogwumike.
He wrote, "I received the leadership of NBA Nigeria at Lagos House, Marina.
"It was a productive engagement that reaffirmed the important role sports play in youth development and community building.
"The NBA team outlined their commitment to growing basketball from the grassroots and expressed their readiness to partner with us in ways that extend far beyond the game itself.
"They are keen to leverage their network to attract investment, strengthen our sports infrastructure, and enhance the capacity of our coaches and technical personnel.
"They are also focused on creating pathways for our young athletes by offering them opportunities for growth, exposure, and international recognition. This aligns strongly with our administration’s vision to use sports as a tool for empowerment, social development, and economic growth.
"Together, we can unlock the potential of our young people and further establish Lagos as a hub for sporting excellence."
The governor has taken a keen interest in basketball, particularly after forming a partnership with NBA superstar LeBron James.