THE Nigerian House of Representatives last week passed a
motion to “Congratulate Larry Ekundayo on his heroics in the field of boxing”
and for the Government to help bring back the glory days of Nigerian boxing.
The bill also aims to re-popularise boxing, a sport that
Nigerians can excel at through “hosting continental and international boxing
tournaments”.
Undefeated welterweight sensation, Larry Ekundayo,
managed by the highly regarded MTK organisation, is one of the country’s
leading boxing talents. He is former Sky TV Prizefighter Winner, ABU African
Champion and has been dubbed the Nigerian Floyd Mayweather. He is due to
represent Nigeria, later in 2017, in his bid to win the Commonwealth title and
deliver sporting glory for the country.
The motion was proposed by Chair of the House of
Representative Committee on the Diaspora, Hon. (Barr) Rita Orji, who has taken
a personal interest, and leadership role, in helping Nigerian fighters within
and particularly outside Nigeria deliver on their talents for the country.
The motion stated that the “House called on Federal
Ministry of Youth and Sport to work with the Nigerian Boxing Federation to
revive the sport of boxing”.
The motion also required Government and corporate bodies
to invest in the development of sports, through the provision of infrastructure
and sponsorship deals.
The motion further mandated the Federal Ministry of Youth
and Sport to interface with other stakeholders, to work out the modalities of
sponsorship of Nigerian boxers, so that they are able to win world title
honours wearing the green and white of Nigeria, rather than having to move to
other countries to get the necessary support. The House rightly commended Arik
Air for its leading role in its sponsorship of Larry Ekundayo.
Leading London based commercial agents, World Class
Athletes, who have a successful track record of delivering sponsorship deals
for Nigerians, would continue to help provide the commercial bedrock for the
country’s elite fighters to deliver on their natural talent, so that they can
go on to secure titles and glory for the country.
Hon. (Barr) Rita Orji said. “Britain has produced 8 World
heavyweight Champions, 3 of whom have been of Nigerian origin. There is no
reason our wonderfully talent fighters should be fighting for other countries”.
She went on to add; “When we arrange sponsorship we can
start staging major shows here, build infrastructure and create jobs”. Finally,
she stated “Let us all back Larry Ekundayo, so he can go all the way to win a
world title for Nigeria, his success is our success.”
Photo: Undefeated Welterweight sensation, Larry Ekundayo with Hon.
(Barr) Rita Orji
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