18th January, 2024
By Taiwo Okanlawon
Nigerian-Greek NBA player, Giannis Antetokounmpo, has unveiled a new learning centre aimed at enhancing Igbo literacy among children in Nigeria.
The unveiling in Lagos was captured in a homecoming film with WhatsApp that documented Giannis’ inaugural visit to Nigeria in July 2023.
The film, titled ‘Ugo: A Homecoming Story,’ opens with the NBA star being accompanied by his mother, who emigrated from Nigeria to Greece 35 years ago.
In the documentary, the centre, established through a partnership with WhatsApp, aims to provide a nurturing environment for Igbo kids to learn their mother tongue.
Greece’s home-grown NBA All-Star, said the establishment was inspired by his mother and his upbringing.
Giannis, born of a Yoruba father and an Igbo mother, said he could not learn both languages because his parents disagreed on who should teach the kids their dialect.
Expressing excitement about the establishment, he said, “It was unbelievable. I have a book that my mum can read in Igbo and translate below in English.
“If I had that, I would probably be speaking my mother’s language or my father’s language. I know that I needed it, I wish that my kids and grandkids can have it. It is amazing.”
‘Ugo’, the Rick Famuyiwa-directed documentary, was titled after Giannis’ Nigerian birth name.
It features appearances by several notable Nigerians, including Yeni Anikulapo-Kuti, Fela’s daughter, Hilda Baci, the record-breaking chef, and Kelech Amadi-Obi, the award-winning photographer.
Giannis Antetokounmpo, born by Nigerian parents, is named the NBA’s Most Valuable Player (MVP).
Nicknamed the “Greek Freak”, the 24-year-old Milwaukee Bucks player on Monday got 78 first-place votes, well ahead of the 23 received by fellow MVP finalist James Harden of the Houston Rockets.
In February 2022, he became WhatsApp’s first-ever global ambassador.
Watch the documentary below: