The NBA’s inaugural Her Time To Play Leadership Series in Nigeria took place on March 15, 2025, engaging 87 young women. The event featured panels on leadership and career opportunities, with notable speakers including Gbemisola Abudu, Ibukun Abidoye, and Sade Dada. This initiative builds on HTTP’s prior successes in Angola and South Africa, promoting empowerment through basketball.
The National Basketball Association (NBA) hosted its inaugural Her Time To Play (HTTP) Leadership Series in Nigeria on March 15, 2025, at the Vivian Fowler Memorial College for Girls, Lagos. The event brought together 87 young women to promote youth development and to strengthen connections through basketball, enhancing opportunities for girls and women both on and off the court.
The first panel discussion, entitled ‘Owning Your Power,’ emphasized leadership, confidence, and breaking 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, titled ‘Beyond the Game,’ explored diverse career opportunities within a rapidly changing world. Notable panelists comprised Olutoyin M. Odulate, Founder & Chief Executive Officer of Olori Beauty Enterprises; Titi Ogufere, Chief Executive Officer of Essential Media Group; and Nissi Ogulu, Founder of Creele Animation Studios.
This all-female leadership series further extends HTTP initiatives previously implemented in Angola and South Africa, which have successfully engaged over 2,000 girls and women since 2023. The event culminated with a fireside chat featuring Gbemisola Abudu, moderated by Nigerian television host Bolanle Olukanni.
HTTP stands as the NBA’s global initiative dedicated to empowering girls, enhancing the traditional Jr. NBA programming that focuses on developing young athletes and coaches.
The Her Time To Play Leadership Event marks a significant milestone in empowering young women through basketball in Nigeria. With engaging panels and discussions, the initiative aims to foster leadership and career development, thereby expanding opportunities for women in various fields. Continuing the momentum established in other African nations, it highlights the NBA’s commitment to youth engagement and empowerment.
Original Source: www.bellanaija.com
