Imo hosts ESPN Star Chiney Ogwumike, unveils Foundation for girls in sports

*Governor (Senator) Hope Uzodimma of Imo State receives Chiney Ogwumike, Imo-born American basketball player and ESPN host, on a visit to the South-East state to launch her Foundation dedicated to empowering the girl-child through sports

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

Governor (Senator) Hope Uzodimma of Imo State Monday, August 25, 2025, warmly received Ms. Chiney Ogwumike, Imo-born American basketball player and ESPN host, who visited the South-East state to launch her Foundation dedicated to empowering the girl-child through sports.

Deputy Governor, Lady Chinyere Ihuoma Ekomaru, PhD, welcomed the American superstar to the state on behalf of Governor Uzodimma.

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Speaking during the reception, Dr. Ekomaro described Ms. Ogwumike as a shining example of excellence of Imo women in sports and other sectors of the economy.

The Deputy Governor also restated the Imo State Government’s commitment to talent hunt and sports development.

She recalled how Uzodimma recently hosted the triumphant Super Falcons of the state extraction, and rewarded them handsomely for their commendable roles in the Super Falcons’ remarkable success at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), held in Morocco.

The Deputy Governor commended Ms. Ogwumike for her vision to inspire and support young girls in the state, pursuing their dreams through basketball and other sports.

Dr. Ekomaro further noted that the American athlete’s remarkable gesture aligns with Governor Uzodimma’s broader vision of creating more opportunities for youths across Imo State.

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The Deputy Governor as well assured her of the government’s readiness to partner with well-meaning Imolites and Nigerians in general to bring positive development to the state.

Ms. Ogwumike is not only a celebrated WNBA athlete but also a global trailblazer whose achievements resonate deeply.

In 2020, she became the first Black woman and first WNBA player to host a national radio show for ESPN, and one of the youngest commentators ever named as an NBA analyst.

By 2016, Ms. Ogwumike was elected Vice-President of the WNBA Players Association, and October 2023, she made history again as the youngest woman on the White House’s inaugural Advisory Council on African Diaspora Engagement in the United States.

Recognised globally, she is a 2021 Forbes 30 Under 30 honouree and Executive Producer of the ESPN Films documentary 144, which chronicled the 2020 WNBA season.

Speaking during the reception in Owerri, the Imo State capital, Ms. Ogwumike expressed her commitment to helping young girls in the state pursue their career in sports, especially, basketball.

She credited her Igbo heritage for instilling in her the resilience and drive that propelled her to global success, pledging to use her platform to inspire the next generation of talents.

The Commissioner for Sports Development, Hon. Obinna Onyeocha and the Commissioner for Youths and Talent Hunt, Hon. Emeka Ukaegbu, in their remarks, also hailed Ms. Ogwumike for being a true ambassador of Imo State. The Honourable Commissioners pledged that the Government would support her foundation in achieving its objectives.

Mr. Nze Peter Ogwumike, the athlete’s father, senior government officials, and other stakeholders in sports and youth development were all present at the event.

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