The Chairman of Joint Task Force on Petroleum in Ekiti State and Iyin Ekiti born politician, Hon. Israel Adesokan popularly known as Jaru has sponsored the first edition of the Ekiti Boxing Championship years after the completion was neglected.
The Boxing Championship organised by the Ekiti State Sports Commission with the support of ‘Jaru’ is expected to hold on a monthly basis at the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium Ado-Ekiti.
According to the foremost Ekiti grassroots politician and philanthropist, the championship is aimed at discovering talented boxers that would claim glory for the state.
This, according to him is in line with the agenda of Governor Biodun Oyebanji to develop sports in the state.
While reinstating his commitment towards developing sports in the state, the sports loving politician, awarded cash prizes and support kits to winners and participants at the championship.
According to him, “Governor Biodun Oyebanji said he wants to develop sports all round and whoever is a disciple of this man should key into his agenda which is to develop sports. That’s why I am doing what I’m doing now.
“We have to reorganise the sporting sector and in doing that, everyone of us have to come together irrespective of what the Government is doing to support and ensure Ekiti, in the next one year will be able to produce the likes of Muhammed Alli, Mike Tyson, among others.
“That’s why you see me putting my resources in this sector and you never can tell by tomorrow, Ekiti might produce the best Boxer in the world and that is what we are working towards.
“By the grace of God, this programme will be on monthly basis, I have spoken to some of my friends and the December edition will be sponsored by Hon. Ayo Adegbite.
“Whoever is winning here might challenge anybody in Ondo state and others, we will sponsor it. We are not going to limit our efforts here, we will sponsor Ekiti Boxing to the higher level.”
On his part, the Lawmaker representing Oye Constituency 2 at the State House of Assembly and Chairman, House Committee on Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Idowu Odebunmi, hailed Hon Adesokan for organizing the event.
He disclosed that the state government, under the administration of Governor Biodun Oyebanji would constitute the Sports Commission that has been passed into law for the growth and development of sports in the state.
The lawmaker noted that plans are ongoing to etch new indoor sports facilities and stadia across the 16 local government areas.
In his words; “I commend and appreciate the organizer of this Boxing competition. I am so delighted to see the professionalism being displayed by Ekiti Boxers here today because this is my first time I’m seeing Ekiti Boxers performing in the ring.
“Governor Oyebanji has placed sports as one of his priorities and by God’s grace, he has made a good plan to organise a befitting international indoor games where we are going to have Boxing ring of international standards.
“This plan is on ground and by next year, everyone will witness. It will encourage those who have interest in Boxing. Let me also tell those interested Boxers across the State that they can easily approach this kind of individual-oriented boxing sports because I’m in talks with him to be doing it monthly so that we can encourage others from the 16 LGAs.
“Ekiti is multitalented and as we are doing in the previous years, we have seen Ekiti perform at the national and international levels. With this, it has also motivated the present day government to embark on expansion and well structured of sporting activities.
“There will be renovations of other stadia across the 16 LGAs and upcoming Stadia just to encourage those in other senatorial districts, those who can not move down to Ado-Ekiti for sporting activities.
“Currently, there are constructions of private stadia ongoing in Ekiti State. One is going to be launched soon in Ikere-Ekiti. By God’s grace, in every various of athletes, in Ekiti State. With sports Commission, there will be full operational system of sporting activities.”
In an interview, the boxers expressed delight over the opportunity to showcase their talent.