President Muhammadu Buhari and the minister of sports, Sunday Akinlabi Dare have both sent messages of congratulations to Nigeria’s latest world boxing champion, Ridwan Oyekola (aka The Scorpion), who emerged with a world title last weekend.
Megasportsarena.com reports that Presidnet Buhari and Dare led the rain of accolades on Oyekola, after he clinched the World Boxing Federation (WBF) International Super Featherweight belt with victory over Argentina’s Lucas Montessino in Ibadan.
Oyekola secured a unanimous victory over Montessino in the fight that was staged under the banner of Sola Ayodele’s Core Afrique Boxing Promotion, with the ‘Ibadan Boy’ taking full advantage of fighting at home to beat the Argentine pugilist.
In reaction to that feat, Buhari declared in a statement issued by his spokesman, Femi Adesina, that he was happy to join all Nigerians in celebrating another historical boxing feat after Dick ‘Tiger’ Ihietu did the same 57 years ago.
Buhari added that Oyekola’s victory brought more glory to Nigeria, few weeks after Britain-born Anthony Olaseni Oluwafemi Joshua showed his consistence as a three-belt holder with another victory in London.
While noting that the new world super featherweight champion realized his dream after many years of focus and discipline, Buhari urged him to put in more commitment to sustain his place in history, after the late Dick Tiger.
The president also lauded the organisers for successfully hosing the WBF title fight in a Nigerian city and enjoined all youths to diligently follow their passion to the point of global recognition.
In similar vein, the president of Nigeria Boxing Board of Control (NBB of C) Dr. Rafiu Ladipo thanked the chairman/CEO of the prestigious Ilaji Sports Resort, Ibadan, Engineer Dotun Sanusi for agreeing to host the historic international bout on his property.
The philanthropist, who recently celebrated his 52th birthday, endorsed the bout and gave total support while launching Ilaji Soccer Academy in collaboration with Malaga CF, and Ladipo thanked Engineer Sanusi for ensuring the world title fight became a reality and brought fresh honour to Ibadan.
Other members of the planning committee were the general secretary of NBB of C Remi Aboderin, CEO of Core Afrique Boxing Promotion, Sola Ayodele (aka Sola Ford), the chairman of Oyo State chapter of NBB of C Hon. Gbenga Opaleye and Olanrewaju Agiri, a journalist and chief operation officer of Golden Gloves Boxing Promotion.
On his part, Dare splashed encomiums on the new champ in his congratulatory statement and described Oyekola’s victory as a special one for himself and the country at large.
Dare stated: “I want to on behalf of millions of Nigerians congratulate new boxing champion, Ridwan ‘The Scorpion’ Oyekola on his victory in the World Boxing Featherweight bout. Coming few weeks after Anthony Joshua’s feat is not only heartwarming, but quite inspiring.
“This is really worthy of celebrating. Ridwan, you have really broken the ice and re- confirmed Nigeria’s pole position as a force to reckon with in not just amateur boxing, but at the professional stage.
“All Nigerians are indeed proud of you for registering our country’s name on the global stage. Ridwan’s victory is special coming 57 years after another Nigerian Dick Tiger attained the same feat. This is a special way to end the year.”
