Oyo Can Produce Next ‘Anthony Joshua’-Makinde Reveals

Makinde said Oyo State is capable of producing next Anthony Joshua.

News Rain Nigeria reports that Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde has said that the State is capable of providing the next World Heavyweight Boxing Champion.

Governor Makinde made the remark while playing host to the World Boxing Federation’s Super Featherweight title Champion, Ridwan Oyekola popularly known as Scorpion.

Makinde at the Exco Chamber Office,  Agodi Ibadan said just as Nigeria produced Anthony Joshua in the heavyweight category, there is nothing that can stop us from repeating that.

Oyo Can Produce Next ‘Anthony Joshua’

The only thing that can stop us is if we don’t give the opportunity to our talents; if we don’t support them. That is why we will remain grateful to every body that contributed to this success.

‘Scorpion’ recently fought and won an Angentine Montessino in a boxing bout that was held in Ibadan sometimes last December, to clinch the World Champion title.

Scorpion and his entourage  as well as the members of the Local Organizing Committee and other sporting enthusiasts paid a courtesy visit to Governor Makinde to present him his belt.

Governor Makinde in his remark said; “Yesterday, when I was talking about insecurity in the state, it is a problem that we all have to tackle. Yes, we can take some of the youths to the farm but the sporting sector is also a big way of taking our youths off the street. I am glad that today, a live example is right before me. I am reluctant to say I will give him another car but the government will do things to encourage him.”

The governor however explained that the on-going renovation and re-modelling of Adamasingba Stadium will enable the state to develop more talents in sports, saying: “The on-going renovation at the Adamasingba Stadium is not just for the football pitch. That is not the only thing we are doing there. We are also going to revamp the entire place.

I am looking forward to hosting another international boxing event there soon. I am also looking forward to the International Tennis Competition; both national and international being hosted out there.

“We are also looking forward to us bidding and successfully hosting a National Sports Festival very soon.

The one for Edo State was postponed because of the pandemic but after this one, with our own facility, we will be ready to make a bid to host the festival and international Sport Activities.

“I also look forward to hosting matches majorly at nights in that facility. I told the guys to open that place up. Our darling Shooting Stars will have to play at nights, it will show that we are getting our acts together and we will also demonstrate that Ibadan and Oyo State is indeed secure for an international sporting competition.

“Those things that we have to do to produce more champions and also to promote boxing, we will do.

I will do everything as a government to encourage talents like you and also to encourage businesses that are promoting competitions like this.” Makinde stressed.