Hundreds of Nigerians turn up at London mission as Larry Ekundayo presents his IBF belt to high commissioner

HUNDREDS of Nigerians in the UK turned up at the London high commission yesterday to celebrate with the new International Boxing Federation (IBF) European welterweight champion Larry Ekundayo as he presented his belt to the high commissioner Justice George Oguntade.

In the first such event of its kind which was laced with live musical performances from Vera Tunes, Ekundayo flanked by friends, family, his backroom staff and sponsors, showed off his newly-won belt. He used the occasion to thank all those who had supported him throughout his career and promised to keep working hard as he aims for a shot at the world title.

Organised by Chief Bimbo Afolayan, the chief executive of the Nigerian Direct Diaspora Investment Summit (NDDIS), who is also an adviser to Ekundayo, the event was attended by Justice Oguntade and the deputy high commissioner Ambassador Kabiru Bala. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the senior special adviser to President Muhammadu Buhari on diaspora and foreign affairs also sent in a goodwill message.

Ekundayo's agent, Ben Gray, the chief executive of World Class Athletes also used the occasion to announce that talks are ongoing to get the boxer to fight in Nigeria soon. He thanks sponsors including reverent Esther Ajayi of Love of Christ Church, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and Lagos State's Governor Akinwunmi Ambode for their continuous support.

Chief Afolayan added: "Larry is the highest ranked Nigerian boxer internationally at the moment and if we want him to succeed further, we owe it to him to support him. In the past, we have produced many good boxers but unfortunately, they have not gone on to achieve their true potential because they did not get the necessary support."

Mr Gray added: "Nigeria is a country of 180m that has huge potential and it is unfortunate that Britain with 64m people has eight world champions but Nigeria has none. The talent is there but we just need to support them and if we do the rewards will be immense as its will also have economic benefits, boost tourism and enhance Nigeria's standing in the world."

Last month, Ekundayo won the IBF European welterweight title defeating John Thian at the Bethnal Green Arena in east London. Winning by a unanimous decision after going the full distance, Ekundayo was scored 117-111, 115-113 and 116-112 by the three judges.

Ekundayo said: "I am very grateful to my amazing team, especially Ben Gray, my special adviser, Chief Bimbo Afolayan, Mrs Morenike Animashaun, the leader of the Larry Supporters Network and my sponsors Love of Christ Church. I would also like to thank my mentor Olusegun Ajose.

"Nigeria has the ability to rule the world but unfortunately our boxers are not getting the necessary support. I won a prize fight in 2012 and usually that shoots you to the top but unfortunately, that did not get me a shot at the title, mainly as a result of this lack of support."

Receiving the belt on behalf of the high commission, Justice Oguntade, said: "It is remarkable that this young man from Lagos has done us proud with this remarkable feat. Larry did Nigeria proud by winning the IBF title and through this honourable achievement, he has projected our country in a positive light while at the same time serve as a role model for other upcoming youngsters."

Justice Oguntade added that Ekundayo proved that with hard work and dedication, one can achieve his goals, pointing out that as a nation, Nigeria should not get tired of celebrating those who have done her proud. Among the other dignitaries who attended the event hosted by veteran MC Doyin Owoeye, popularly known as Doyin Ola, were Dr Boma Douglas, the chairman of the Central Association of Nigerians in the UK;  Chibuzor Ubochi, the chairman of Nido South and David Smith the chairman of the British African Business Alliance.