Obama beams new spotlight on Africa
Obama |
Some Africans have negative thoughts about former America President Barack Obama and his intentions for Africa.
While Oseyiza Oogbodo Blog will
not want to reveal some of those negative feelings in this piece, suffice it to
say that his latest Africa foray shouldn’t have any negativity around it.
According to the National
Basketball Association (NBA), Obama has joined their latest venture, NBA Africa,
as a strategic partner, and he’ll help advance it’s social responsibility
efforts across the continent, including programs and partnerships that support
greater gender equality and economic inclusion.
And for his efforts, he’ll have a
minority equity stake in the new venture which over time he intends to use to
fund Obama Foundation youth and leadership programs across Africa.
Speaking about his new
responsibility, he said, “The NBA has always been a great ambassador for the
United States, using the game to create deeper connections around the world,
and in Africa, basketball has the power to promote opportunity, wellness,
equality and empowerment across the continent.
By investing in communities, promoting gender equality, and cultivating
the love of the game of basketball, I believe that NBA Africa can make a
difference for so many of Africa’s young people. I’ve been impressed by the
league’s commitment to Africa, including the leadership shown by so many
African players who want to give back to their own countries and
communities. That’s why I’m proud to
join the team at NBA Africa and look forward to a partnership that benefits the
youth of so many countries.”
Also speaking, NBA Commissioner
Adam Silver said, “We’re honored that President Obama has become a strategic
partner in NBA Africa and will support our wide-ranging efforts to grow the
game of basketball on the continent. In addition to his well-documented love
for basketball, he has a firm belief in Africa’s potential and the enormous
growth opportunities that exist through sports.
NBA Africa will benefit tremendously from his engagement.”
Not left out, NBA Africa CEO,
Victor Williams, said, “We’ve ambitious growth plans for NBA Africa and having
President Obama join our efforts is a recognition that through sport, Africa
can take its rightful place on the world stage. We look forward to working with
President Obama and our strategic investors to use basketball as an economic
growth engine across the continent and as a platform to improve the health and
wellness of one of the world’s youngest and fastest-growing populations.”
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