World title challenger, Segun Ajose, and the current undefeated African Champion, Larry Ekundayo, have donated boxing equipment to some aspiring boxers in Lagos.
Both boxers, who are British-based Nigerian professionals, explained that their donation was part of their effort at giving back to the society.
They were accompanied by a Head of World Class Athletes, Ben Gray and their Special Advisor, Bimbo Folayan, an Executive Director of Nigerians in the Diaspora Direct Investment Summit.
Speaking after a workout session with some home-based boxers, Ekundayo, a welterweight champions, said he felt more fulfilled at engaging in such a project.
“The ability of these children are unbelievable and if we can have government and the private sector like Arik Air, Union Bank and Bullet support them like they did to me, the sky will be their limit.
“But for these companies that identified with my talent, I could not have been a champion today.
“We need more of those sponsors to support boxing and others sports. We need to support our own, toward achieving their dreams.
“We came here to give back to the community, I could have represented England but this is my country. This is where I started.
“We will try to bring back the lost glory of boxing to Nigeria. If we have the support of the government and the private sector, this will be achievable,’’ Ekundayo said.
Ajose, a light welterweight pugilist said he had always wanted to impart his knowledge to upcoming boxers.
“This is what I love to do, imparting knowledge to these children. My presence and that of Larry Ekundayo here can motivate and inspire them,” he said.
According to Afolayan, the plan is not only to deliver the World Champions to Nigerians but also the boxers as `ambassadors’ for the country, in order to help to improve relations between Nigeria, the U.K., and the U.S.’’.
He said these could be achieved through the international media.
The Senior Special Assistant to the Lagos State Governor on Sports, Adeyinka Adeboye, who represented Governor Akinwunmi Ambode assured the team of government’s support.
The team is expected to make a presentation to the National Assembly in Abuja on March 15. The boxers will also be appointed as Investment Representatives for the country.
