As the World Featherweight Boxing tournament holds December 27 in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, Governor Seyi Makinde on Tuesday restated his administration’s commitment to sports development.
Governor Makinde, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Olubamiwo Adeosun, said the state would ensure the success of the sporting event by providing an enabling environment.
While receiving the members of the Local Organising Committee of the World Boxing Federation title at the Executive Council Chamber, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, the SSG said support would be given to Ridwan Oyekola, the Nigerian boxer who is featuring in the event.
She said, “The present administration is quite committed to the development of sports in the state and it is a pleasure that we have received this belt today. I have always seen title fights on T.V. His Excellency would have loved to be here today because he is a lover of sports. On behalf of the executive Governor of Oyo State, I welcome you here.
“It is interesting that it has been 57 years since 1963 that this competition came to Oyo State. So, like you already said, it is not by coincidence that it is in the time of our governor that this is happening again.
“With competition like this, we already know, it will bring people into Oyo State; we have secured the state. Let people know that they can come and enjoy themselves this festive period. We are ready for them. And, like you rightly know, he (the boxer) will definitely have the state’s support.
“No pressures, but this belt that has come to the state today, we don’t expect it to go. You are going to study those videos on the Argentine that you are going to be fighting and make sure you are on top of your game and look forward to the best, I wish you the very best of luck.
“To the LOC, thank you for all the good works you have done for bringing us up to this point, and even for the promoters, we appreciate you.”
The chairman, LOC, World Boxing Federation, Olawale Okunniyi, said the World Featherweight Championship bout between Ridwan Oyekola, aka Scorpion and an Argentile – Lucas Matias Montesino, would be remarkable, saying the last time Ibadan hosted a boxing bout was on August 10, 1963 at Liberty Stadium.
