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New York, October 2025 — At the One Court Africa Reception, hosted at the NBPA Headquarters during the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 2025), the evening carried the spirit of unity, purpose, and legacy. Among the powerful voices present was Olofu Agbaji, father of NBA player Ochai Agbaji of the Toronto Raptors, representing the Young Agbaji Foundation. His words and presence underscored that the evening was not only about partnerships but about generational commitment to building a better future.
From Family Friend to Family Mission
For Olofu, the moment was deeply personal. His connection to Manny Ohonme and the vision of World Shoe stretches back decades.
“World Shoe is a creation by Manny Ohonme,” Olofu began. “Manny and I have been involved since the early 90s. I’ve watched him grow Samaritan’s Feet and now expand into World Shoe — using footwear not just as a product, but as a vehicle for empowerment and enrichment for youth and communities across Africa.”
To the Agbaji family, this is not just philanthropy — it is kinship. “Manny is like an uncle to Ochai,” Olofu explained. “It feels like family. Ochai did his first shoe distribution with Manny back in 2010, and now he’s come full circle, ready and able to invest back into this vision.”
The Young Agbaji Foundation Steps Forward
At the reception, the Young Agbaji Foundation, led by Ochai, announced a $30,000 contribution in support of World Shoe’s mission. With Olofu present at NBPA Headquarters, the moment was both symbolic and generational — a father carrying forward the family’s voice of giving while representing his son’s commitment to Africa.
“This is exciting,” Olofu said with pride. “Just to see how far Manny has come. I remember when he was talking about trying to reach one million shoes. Now he’s surpassed 10 million, and World Shoe is manufacturing a million a year. That level of consistency and passion is rare. To see him still running with the same intensity is inspiring.”
Together with fellow NBA player Sion James and his foundation, these contributions helped raise $30,000, which — alongside the NBPA Foundation’s $20,000 commitment and its match — brought the total raised to $80,000. These funds will provide World Shoes to youth on the continent through the Wash and Wear initiatives planned in partnership with OAFLAD (Organization of African First Ladies for Development).
Why World Shoe Resonates
For Olofu, supporting World Shoe goes far beyond footwear.
“This is about children going to school, youth stepping into their future with confidence, and communities being enriched by enterprise,” he said. “That’s why our family — and Ochai through his foundation — wanted to be part of it.”
World Shoe’s impact lies in its ability to protect health, restore dignity, and generate opportunity — outcomes that align closely with the Agbaji family’s vision for giving back.
Legacy in Action
At the NBPA HQ, surrounded by athletes, philanthropists, First Ladies, and development leaders, Olofu’s presence was more than ceremonial. It represented the voice of a father, the legacy of a family, and the power of personal relationships fueling global transformation.
“For us, this is personal,” he concluded. “It’s family, it’s faith, and it’s a shared belief that when one person chooses to give back, millions can benefit.”
The Agbaji family’s contribution, paired with World Shoe’s innovation and the NBPA Foundation’s leadership, is proof of how sports, philanthropy, and vision can work together to create lasting impact for Africa and the world.