Glo to honour late NBA legend
FILE: Globacom outlet
Nigerian telecom operator, Globacom, has revealed plans to celebrate the late Congolese-American basketball legend and philanthropist, Dikembe Mutombo, on the Cable News Network International’s magazine programme, African Voices Playmakers.
The programme, sponsored by the data solutions provider, will highlight Mutombo’s remarkable career in the NBA and his lasting impact as a mentor and philanthropist.
The 30-minute episode will premiere on Saturday (today) at 7:30 a.m., with a repeat the same day at 11 a.m.
While broadcasts are also scheduled for Sunday and Monday, viewers will also have the opportunity to watch reruns the following weekend, ensuring that fans and aspiring athletes across Africa can witness the enduring influence of Mutombo’s life and career.
The statement reads, “Dikembe Mutombo Mpolondo Mukaba Jean-Jacques Wamutombo, who went by the moniker ‘Mount Mutombo’ owing to his defencive capability, was born on June 25, 1966. Though he studied Medicine at Georgetown University in America, Dikembe instead became a professional basketballer, playing for 18 remarkable seasons in the NBA.
“Before succumbing to brain cancer in September 2024, Dikembe created the Dikembe Mutombo Foundation to improve the living conditions of his folks in the Democratic Republic of Congo where he hailed from.
“He equally carved a niche for himself as a legend and a mentor to a new generation of African basketball players including his son, Ryan, his two nephews, and other youngsters from the continent two of whom are rising NBA stars, Yves Missi and Josh Okogie.
“The duo of 20-year-old Missi, a Cameroonian professional basketball player with the New Orleans Pelicans, and 26-year-old Nigerian-American shooting guard, Okojie, who plays for the Charlotte Hornets in the United States of America will also be on the 30-minute show to talk about how Mutombo’s influence has continued to shape the future of the game and empower young athletes across Africa.
“The programme airs at 7.30 a.m. on Saturday with a repeat the same day at 11 a.m. On Sunday, other repeats will be broadcast at 3.30 a.m. and 6. p.m. and on Monday at 3.00 a.m. Further repeats come up at 7.30 a.m. and 11 a.m. on Saturday next week; Sunday at 4.30 a.m. and 7 p.m. and on Monday at 4 a.m.”
