Former Heavyweight Champion Anthony Joshua Returns to His Country of Birth, Nigeria

Posted : 01 January 2025

Former two-time heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has decided to return to his country of birth to celebrate the festive season.

Joshua was spotted in his hometown of Sagamu, spending time with friends and family while relaxing to Nigerian hip-hop music.

During his visit, Joshua paid a courtesy call to the Ogun State House and met with the state governor, Dapo Abiodun.

The Executive Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, CON, honored the two-time unified world heavyweight boxing champion by naming the state’s new boxing hall after him while hosting the celebrated boxer.

Gov. Abiodun also bestowed a Yoruba name, “Omobowale,” meaning “the child who has come home,” on Joshua in recognition of his dedication to celebrating his roots at every opportunity.

During a brief event held in his honor, Governor Abiodun described Joshua as a true ambassador of Ogun State, whose success on the international stage has brought immense pride to both the state and Nigeria as a whole.

“Anthony Joshua exemplifies excellence, resilience, and humility—values that resonate deeply with us in Ogun State. Naming this boxing hall after him is our way of celebrating his achievements and inspiring the next generation of champions,” Governor Abiodun remarked.

In appreciation of Joshua’s legacy and consistent identification with Ogun State, Governor Abiodun gifted the boxer a country home in his local government area of Sagamu.

The governor further emphasized Ogun State’s commitment to supporting sports development and nurturing local talent. He acknowledged the state’s rich history of producing exceptional athletes, including global stars like Oluwatobiloba Amusan and Falilat Ogunkoya, and reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to creating platforms for emerging talents to thrive.

Governor Abiodun also took the opportunity to commend Hon. Bukola Olopade, the Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), for his transformative contributions to sports both in Ogun State and Nigeria at large.

“Hon. Bukola Olopade has been instrumental in shaping the sports landscape, from his tenure as a two-time Commissioner for Sports in Ogun State to his current role as DG of the NSC. His initiatives continue to drive growth, empowerment, and unity through sports,” the governor said. “I am very confident that Hon. Olopade will excel in the sports industry, considering his previous track record.”

Olopade expressed his gratitude toward the governor, highlighting his visionary approach to sports development.

“Governor Abiodun has demonstrated an unparalleled commitment to grassroots sports, talent development, and has fully committed to supporting the next National Sports Festival, which will be held in the state in May 2025. With initiatives like this, Ogun State is set to remain a beacon of excellence in Nigerian sports,” Olopade said.

Former Heavyweight Champion Anthony Joshua Returns to His Country of Birth, Nigeria

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