By Obinna Uballa
Former Toronto Raptors president Masai Ujiri has expressed excitement over his appointment as a United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Advocate.
The announcement, made on Thursday in a release by his foundation, Giants of Africa, confirms Ujiri’s inclusion in a select group of global leaders championing efforts to eradicate poverty and hunger, while promoting quality education and well-being worldwide.
“Sport doesn’t just unite people, it breaks down barriers, builds hope, and transforms entire communities,” Ujiri said in the statement. “Joining the SDG advocates is a tremendous honour, and I’m excited to be part of a global movement that empowers youth and drives meaningful change around the world.”
Ujiri, 55, was born in England and raised in Nigeria before moving to North America, where he built a successful career in the NBA with the Denver Nuggets and later the Raptors, whom he helped lead to their first-ever championship in 2019.
He is also the founder of Giants of Africa, an organisation dedicated to empowering African youth through basketball.
His appointment comes ahead of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, scheduled to hold in New York from September 9 to 26.
A day before the session begins, reports say Ujiri will premiere Origin: The Story of the Basketball Africa League, a documentary series highlighting the creation and growth of the Basketball Africa League, at the Toronto International Film Festival.
The Raptors have since named general manager Bobby Webster as head of basketball operations following Ujiri’s departure in June.
