The Chairman and CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has celebrated Nigerian-born athlete Jovan Olafioye following his induction into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame, Class of 2025. The achievement, she said, is not only a personal milestone for Olafioye but also a moment of pride for Nigeria and the global Nigerian community.
In a statement issued on September 23, 2025, by NiDCOM’s Media, Public Relations and Protocols Unit, Dabiri-Erewa praised Olafioye’s decade-long career in the Canadian Football League (CFL), where he rose to become one of the most respected offensive linemen of his era.
Olafioye spent eight seasons with the BC Lions, where he helped the team secure the 2011 Grey Cup championship. His dominance on the field earned him multiple CFL All-Star selections and the prestigious Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman award in 2012, cementing his reputation as one of the league’s finest.
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Dabiri-Erewa described his Hall of Fame induction as proof of the growing influence of Nigerians in the diaspora across different sectors, particularly international sports. She emphasized that Olafioye’s resilience, hard work, and leadership serve as an inspiration to aspiring Nigerian athletes at home and abroad.
“This honor is a source of pride for Nigeria. Olafioye’s success story shows that determination and perseverance can take our people to the highest levels of global recognition. His journey will inspire countless young Nigerians to pursue excellence, no matter the field,” Dabiri-Erewa said.
Olafioye now joins an elite group of athletes immortalized in Canadian football history, a recognition that reflects not only his personal achievements but also the enduring legacy of Nigerian talent on the world stage.
