Larry Ekundayo's homecoming has been terrific with prominent Nigerians coming out en masse to show support to the prolific boxer.
Olusegun Obasanjo and Larry Ekundayo
Former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, on Wednesday, met European International Boxing Federation welterweight champion, Larry Ekundayo.
Obasanjo hosted Ekundayo at his residence in Ota, Ogun State.
The former president commended the boxing champion, stating that, “Larry’s achievements are Nigeria’s achievements.”
He, however, called on Nigerians to support Ekundayo, while urging the boxer to be focused and bring more honours to Nigeria.
Meanwhile, Ekundayo has called on the private and public sectors to invest in boxing in Nigeria by establishing academies. He spoke when he visited the General Overseer of the Love of Christ Church, London, Rev. Mother Esther Ajayi.
He said: "I must confess that the road to fame for me has been a very tortuous one.
“I started boxing since the age of 12 and truth is that, I lacked the basic foundation or springboard with which I would have launched myself into the career.
“In fact, I kept asking myself if I was doing the right thing but my spirit kept telling me not to lose focus,’’
The 36-year-old pugilist commended Ajayi for her investment and support for boxing.
‘’With Rev. Ajayi and her church, I found a home and that is why I cannot embrace any other church than hers because she stood for me when there was no one to call upon other than God.
“I am sure God sent her to me because it has been one success or the other since I became a member of her church,” he added.
The champion is scheduled to pay a courtesy visit to President Muhammadu Buhari in Abuja, Governor of Lagos state, Akinwunmi Ambode, ex-Lagos governor, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi and Oba Saheed Elegushi.