First Bank’s Wandoo Hembam: Inspiration from D’Tigress Propels WBLA Ambition
Wandoo Hembam, the head of First Bank’s basketball division, highlights the inspiration gained from Nigeria’s D’Tigress as her team embarks on a crucial journey in the Women’s Basketball League Africa (WBLA). This initiative, which started last week in Lagos, seeks to enhance women’s basketball in Nigeria and motivate young athletes throughout the country.
Hembam’s comments arrive at a significant moment when Nigeria confronts obstacles in sports development and women’s empowerment. The WBLA not only highlights athletic prowess but also tackles larger issues of gender equity and youth involvement in sports. The dedication to fostering a strong team spirit, known as the “Elephant spirit,” symbolizes a commitment to excellence and perseverance, characteristics exemplified by the D’Tigress, Nigeria’s women’s national basketball team.
The Elephant Spirit: An Emblem of Power
Wandoo Hembam emphasizes the “Elephant spirit” as a fundamental principle propelling the team’s endeavors in the WBLA. This philosophy represents strength, solidarity, and resolve—crucial attributes for achieving success in sports.
Empowering Women in Sports
The WBLA acts as a platform for uplifting women athletes in Nigeria. By centering on women’s basketball, First Bank and Hembam aspire to motivate young girls to engage in sports and take on leadership roles.
– **Enhanced Participation**: The league has experienced a surge in female participation, featuring over 200 athletes registered this season.
– **Community Involvement**: The initiative incorporates outreach programs to stimulate youth engagement in sports.
– **Investment in Infrastructure**: First Bank is dedicated to funding training facilities to enhance the development of female athletes.
Obstacles Confronting Women’s Basketball in Nigeria
Despite advancements, the women’s basketball landscape in Nigeria encounters considerable challenges. Insufficient funding, poor training facilities, and societal perceptions regarding female athletes impede progress.
Funding and Resources
Data from sports governance organizations reveals that female sports initiatives receive merely 30% of the funding allocated to men’s sports. This imbalance affects the quality of training and competitive opportunities available to women athletes.
Cultural Views
Social attitudes toward women in sports continue to create barriers. Many families prioritize traditional roles for women over active participation in sports. Hembam’s advocacy seeks to alter these perspectives, endorsing sports as a legitimate career option for young women.
Influence of D’Tigress on Nigerian Basketball
The D’Tigress have established a remarkable benchmark for women’s basketball in Nigeria. Their triumphs in international competitions have sparked a ripple effect, igniting grassroots movements and heightening interest in women’s sports.
Success Narratives
– **International Acclaim**: The D’Tigress clinched the AfroBasket Championship in 2017 and 2019, demonstrating the capabilities of Nigerian female athletes on the global stage.
– **Inspirational Figures**: Athletes like Adaora Elonu and Ezinne Kalu act as role models, inspiring young girls to engage in sports.
What Lies Ahead for First Bank and WBLA?
In the future, First Bank intends to broaden its support for women’s basketball via strategic collaborations and increased investment in grassroots initiatives. The objective is to establish a sustainable framework that cultivates young talent and promotes gender equality within sports.
Path Forward
The future of women’s basketball in Nigeria depends on sustained investment, community involvement, and shifts in societal attitudes. Hembam’s leadership at First Bank is crucial in creating an environment where female athletes can excel. As the WBLA advances, it is vital to maintain momentum, ensuring that the “Elephant spirit” continues to motivate generations of women in sports.
In summary, the commitment to empowering women through basketball extends beyond sports; it aims to transform the future for young girls in Nigeria. The journey has only commenced, and with dedicated efforts, the potential for success is vast.
