Let Anthony Joshua victory inspire you to become champions too- Governor Abiodun tells indigenes
By ABIODUN JIMOH, ABEOKUTA
“New World boxing champion, Anthony Joshua victory should inspire other aspiring champions of Ogun State origin to do more in their various sports events,” says Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun.
Prince Abiodun made this admonition while felicitating with Joshua for displaying Ogun standard of excellence when he reclaimed all the titles earlier lost this year in a rematch with his opponent, Andy Ruiz Jr” on Saturday night.
The governor hereby promised on their path that government will provide the necessary incentives to all her ambitious young men and women to become World Champions in all considerable areas of sports, not only in boxing.
Prince Abiodun, who could not hide his joy confirmed that the Ogun State-born Anthony Joshua made Nigerians proud and restored confidence that the nation will be great again.”I congratulate Anthony on this successful outing. May he continue with the winning streak.”
Furthermore, he said the world heavyweight champion in Saudi Arabia on Saturday night kept sleep away from the eyes of many of his admirers worldwide, especially, people of Ogun State.
He noted that the Sagamu-born boxer outclassed Andy Ruiz Jr over 12 rounds, to compensate and reassured them that hard work pays. “My joy is unquantifiable. Our government has always dimensioned sports as not only a unifying factor but a socio-economic imperative.”
The governor, however attributed the outcome to the manifestation of God’s love for the people of the state who prayed ceaselessly for AJ, that the nightmarish experience of New York earlier in the year be reversed.
“God still answers prayers. We return all glory to God Almighty for granting our hearts’ desires and ceaseless prayers for our brother, Anthony Joshua, to regain the IBF, WBA and WBO titles.
“All of us in the state, irrespective of our religious affiliations prayed for his success. That the feat happened in Saudi Arabia excites me. God answered us,” an excited governor Abiodun expressed.
He also lauded Anthony Joshua for his determination, hard work, resilience and focus which he described as virtues engrained in the DNA of Ogun people. “He has made us proud by exhibiting these traits and the can-do spirit of Ogun people.
“We are poised to fix our stadia, upgrade facilities, train sportsmen and women, motivate coaches and develop talents starting from the grassroots.”
He called on all stakeholders to be concerned about hunting for, and, developing talents. “With sports, more people would be pulled out of poverty, while insecurity, social strife and crimes would be kept in check.”
