The NBA’s first Her Time To Play Leadership Series in Nigeria was held on March 15, 2025, at Vivian Fowler Memorial College in Lagos. The event, which gathered 87 young women, featured discussions on leadership and career opportunities. Notable speakers included Gbemisola Abudu, Ibukun Abidoye, and Olutoyin M. Odulate. The series continues efforts to empower girls, building on similar initiatives conducted 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 in Lagos. The event featured two engaging panel discussions and a fireside chat led by Gbemisola Abudu, the NBA Africa Vice President and NBA Nigeria Country Head. This initiative gathered 87 young women to emphasize youth development and foster connections through basketball.
The first panel, titled ‘Owning Your Power,’ concentrated on themes of leadership, confidence, and overcoming barriers. Notable speakers included Ibukun Abidoye, Executive Vice President of Music at Chocolate City Music, Sade Dada, Meta Head of Public Policy for West Africa, and Mayowa Kuyoro, Partner at McKinsey Nigeria.
The second panel, ‘Beyond the Game,’ explored diverse career opportunities in an evolving world. Featured speakers were Olutoyin M. Odulate, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Olori Beauty Enterprises; Titi Ogufere, Chief Executive Officer of Essential Media Group; and Nissi Ogulu, Founder of Creele Animation Studios.
The HTTP series continues to build on initiatives previously conducted in Angola and South Africa, aiming to empower over 2,000 girls and women since 2023. The event concluded with a fireside chat featuring Abudu, moderated by Nigerian television host Bolanle Olukanni. HTTP serves as a global initiative of the NBA to empower girls and is an extension of the Jr. NBA grassroots development program targeting youth and coaches.
The NBA’s Her Time To Play Leadership Series in Nigeria successfully promoted the empowerment of young women through engaging discussions on leadership and career opportunities. By building on previous initiatives and fostering connections, the event exemplifies the NBA’s commitment to encouraging girls in sports and beyond. With poignant contributions from influential women, this event marks a significant step toward gender equality and empowerment in Nigeria.
Original Source: www.bellanaija.com
