Nigeria's in the UK, high commission to honor Ekundayo

Nigerians in the UK and the Nigerian High Commission to the UK will on August 9 honour International Boxing Federation champion, Larry Ekundayo, following his July 13 victory over his British opponent, John Thain, in London.

The programme, which is being organised by the mission in collaboration with the Nigerian Diaspora Direct Investment Summit, will hold at the Nigeria High Commission in London.

A statement on Wednesday from the Director of Africa, Peel Aston Global, Khomeini Bukhari, stated that the boxer would hold a private meeting with the Nigerian High Commissioner to UK, George Oguntade, before the event.

The statement said, “The champion and members of his team made up of his commercial agent, Ben Gray, his Special Advisor, Bimbo Folayan, the Head of the Nigerian Diaspora Direct Investment Summit, and Morenike Ajayi, head of Larry’s Supporters will attend this meeting.

“Also expected at the meeting is Segun Ajose the renowned Nigerian boxer and mentor of Ekundayo.”

It said Ekundayo’s agent pleaded for support from the Lagos State Government to enable the IBF European champion to defend the title in Lagos.

“Larry has said he would love to defend his title in Nigeria very soon and I think there are some huge benefits for both Nigeria and the UK to work together in partnership on this,” Gray stated.

Bukhari said, “Upon returning to Nigeria, I intend to present Anthony Joshua’s signed glove to Governor Akinwunmi Ambode as he is the Chief Executive Officer of the state where Larry represents and we will formally ask for support for Ekundayo, to help him bring Lagos Sate and Nigeria further honours”.