In a very grand ending of the year, Gbemisola Abudu has become the latest Nigerian to stretch the country’s international accolades, as she becomes the Vice President & Country Head of the National Basketball Association (NBA) in Nigeria.
This new position, which also heralds the NBA’s expansion into Nigeria, will see Abudu steer the league’s basketball and business development initiatives in Nigeria.
Recall that, earlier this year the NBA set up shop in South Africa, with Victor Williams as its Chief Executive Officer, in what has become a strategic positioning in Africa’s expansive market.
Now, Abudu, an accomplished entrepreneur, business leader, with 17 years of experience developing businesses, will lead the new office in Lagos and report to Williams.
Among Abudu’s key roles include curating grassroots programming for youth, elite player development, relationships with current and prospective marketing, media and merchandise partners, and social responsibility efforts that improve the lives of youth and families in Nigeria.
“We are excited about expanding NBA Africa’s operations in Nigeria with the launch of our office in Lagos and thrilled to have Gbemisola join us to lead our efforts in the country,” said Williams.
“As an established business leader, entrepreneur, global marketing expert and social activist, Gbemisola’s expertise will be invaluable in helping us continue to grow basketball and the NBA in a country that already has a strong affinity for the game.”
In her reaction, Abudu said, “Joining NBA Africa as the Vice President & Country Head of Nigeria and opening the league’s office here is the opportunity of a lifetime and the culmination of all my experiences to date.
“As a lifelong basketball fan and Nigeria native, I look forward to working with the NBA Africa team to help build a more comprehensive basketball ecosystem in the country and to using the transformative power of sport to impact lives in Nigeria and beyond.”
Abudu previously served as Founder and Managing Partner at BMGA Enterprise Limited (BMGA), an educational technology finishing school in Lagos that provides social and marketing intelligence to increase the productivity of people and organizations.
Prior to BMGA, she worked as a global marketing professional for international brands, including Louis Vuitton, The Walt Disney Company and The Clorox Company.
