As Nigerian – British boxer, Anthony Joshua prepares to take on Kubrat Pulev in a huge heavyweight clash on Saturday, youths and kinsmen in Ogun State on Friday rallied support for him towards a successful outing.
Joshua will be defending his WBA, WBO and IBF world heavyweight titles against the Bulgarian at Wembley Arena on Saturday.
Joshua who hails from Sagamu, Sagamu Local Government Area of the state, had in February visited his hometown in February with the promise that he would not be far from hit root..
Boxing loving youths and Kinsmen of the heavyweight champion took to streets of Sagamu on Friday, drumming support for their son.
Armed with banner with bold inscription “Ogun Youths Stand For Anthony Joshua”, the youths took a walk, singing solidarity songs, from Sabo under bridge, Sagamu and dispersed at the palace of Akarigbo and paramount ruler of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi.
Leading the rally, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Youths, Lamide Lawal had mobilised huge support towards ensuring victory for AJ.
According to him, the fight to be shown live in five different locations of the state, as a way of motivation for its youths.
He said the fight would be shown live, in strategic areas of the state; Ota, Ijebu-Ode, Sagamu, Ilaro, and Abeokuta on Saturday by 8pm.
He said this was part of Governor Dapo Abiodun promise to support youths of the State, in their chosen fields and continuously engage in youth development initiatives through sports and other viable means.
Lawal said that the initiative to televise the fight in different locations of the state further proves the commitment of the Governor to promote Sports and youth activities.
He lauded the initiative, saying that Anthony Joshua would enjoy the support of youths in Ogun State and Nigeria at large.
Lawal added that, having the benefit to watch the fight for free courtesy of the government would make many youths to be inspired and follow steps of the champion, in a bid to succeed in their life endeavours.
The Special Assistant maintained that the Governor’s love for the youths is unquestionably and unequalled.
“We all saw the way His Excellency supported Laycon to victory in the last edition of BBNaija, It goes a long way in showing that he is a youth loving Governor and he is extending this same hand of solidarity and Support to Joshua, for him to emerge victorious on Saturday,” he concluded.
Also speaking, the boxer’s brother, Uwa Ajakaiye Joshua thanked the governor and the youths for support, saying “the victory is assured.”