Boxing champion, Larry Ekundayo, is an asset to Nigeria – Obasanjo

Former President, Olusegun Obasanjo has commended European International Boxing Federation welterweight champion Larry Ekundayo, stating that ‘Larry’s achievements are Nigeria achievements’.

The former president who hosted the boxing champion at his residence in Ota, Ogun state, on Tuesday, called on Nigerians to support Ekundayo while urging the boxer to remain focus and bring more honours to Nigeria.

Meanwhile Ekundayo has called on  the private and public sectors to invest in boxing in Nigeria  by establishing academies.

Ekundayo, who was hosted  by the General Overseer of the Love of Christ Church, London, Rev Mother Esther Ajayi, in Lagos on Monday,  said establishment of boxing academies would  help develop the sport  in the country.

“I must confess that the road to fame for me has been a very torturous one. I started boxing since the age of 12 and truth is that, I lacked the basis foundation or springboard with which I would have launched myself into the career.

“In fact, I kept asking myself if I was doing the right thing but my spirit kept telling me not to lose focus,’’ he said.

The 36-year-old pugilist commended Ajayi for her investment and support for boxing.

‘’With Rev. Ajayi and her Church, I found a home and that is why I cannot embrace any other Church than hers because she stood for me when there was no one to call upon other than God and I am sure God sent her to me because it has been one success or the other since I became a member of her Church,” he added.

Ekundayo who arrived Nigeria at the weekend on a six-day tour is to pay a courtesy visit to President Muhammadu Buhari in Abuja, Governor of Lagos state, Akinwunmi Ambode, and ex-Lagos governor, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.

He would also pay homage to the Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi and Oba Saheed Elegushi