Anthony Joshua bags title as Abiodun names Boxing Hall after him
01 January 2025 |
3:55 am
Two-time World Heavyweight Boxing Champion, Anthony Joshua, has bagged a new title, this time outside the boxing ring.
My coming home is intentional, says boxer
Two-time World Heavyweight Boxing Champion, Anthony Joshua, has bagged a new title, this time outside the boxing ring.
The Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, hosted Joshua on Monday night and named the State’s new boxing hall after him.
Abiodun also bestowed upon Joshua a Yoruba name, ‘Omobowale’, meaning ‘the child who has come home.’ It recognised Joshua’s dedication to identifying and celebrating his roots at every opportunity.
During a brief event held in honour of the boxing legend, Abiodun described Anthony Joshua as a true ambassador of Ogun State, whose success on the international stage has brought immense pride to the state and Nigeria as a whole .
“Anthony Joshua exemplifies excellence, resilience, and humility, values that resonate deeply with us in Ogun State,” the Governor said. “Naming this Boxing Hall after him is our way of celebrating his achievements and inspiring the next generation of champions,” Abiodun said.
In appreciation of Joshua’s legacy and constant identification with Ogun State, Abiodun gifted the boxer a country home in his Local Government Area of Sagamu.
The Governor further emphasised Ogun State’s commitment to supporting sports development and nurturing local talent, just as he acknowledged the state’s rich history of producing exceptional athletes, including global stars like Oluwatobiloba Amusan and Falilat Ogunkoya. He reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to creating platforms for emerging talents to thrive.
The Governor also commended the Director-General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, for his transformative contributions to sports in Ogun State and Nigeria.
He said: “Hon. Bukola Olopade has been instrumental in shaping the sports landscape, from his tenure as a two-time Commissioner for Sports in Ogun State to his current role as DG of the NSC. His initiatives continue to drive growth, empowerment, and unity through sports. I am very confident that Hon. Olopade will excel in the sports industry, considering his previous track record,” Governor Abiodun stated.
At the occasion, an elated Anthony Joshua said: “My coming home is intentional. I brought my son and some other relatives of mine to Ogun State to learn the culture of our people. I appreciate the Governor for honouring me, and I am fully committed to the development of boxing and other grassroots sports in Ogun State and Nigeria in general.”
On his part, Olopade appreciated the governor, highlighting his visionary approach to sports development.
“Governor Abiodun has demonstrated an unparalleled commitment to grassroots sports and talent development and has fully committed to supporting the next National Sports Festival, which will be held in the State in May 2025. With initiatives like this, Ogun State is set to remain a beacon of excellence in Nigerian sports,” Olopade said.
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