Ighalo Launches Orphanage Foundation Dec. 16

As part of efforts at giving back to the society that made him, Super Eagles striker, Odion Ighalo will on December I6, officially launch his pet project- Ighalo Ophanage Foundation, in Ajah.

The Changchun Yatai striker disclosed this at a media briefing on Tuesday at Jonaith Hotel, that it had always been his dream to give back to the society considering his tough background.

“Life was tough growing up in Ajegunle and I vowed that if I eventually had a breakthrough, I’ll give back to the society that made me, hence, the Ighalo Orhanage Foundation,” he said.

The former Watford of England striker, however admitted that when the idea of the foundation first came to him, he didn’t really know how to go about it.

“When the idea first came into my mind, I really didn’t know how to go about it, but I wanted people to know that something can come out of nothing,” Ighalo said.

He disclosed that the orphanage home would be launched on December 16, just as he said a lot of people had called him to disclose their intention to support the project. Plans have be put in place to admit children between the ages of zero to one into the home and take care of them till when they are 18 years, hoping that others can take over their upbringing from there.

Unsurprisingly, sports would play a big role in the home. “Without football, I’ll not be where I am today. Coaches would be drafted to the home to teach the kids the basics and technics of playing football,” Ighalo said.

On hand to lend him support are former Nigerian internationals including Peter Rufai, Samson Siasia, Austine Eguavoen, Waidi Akani and Anne Chiejine, whom all promised to support Ighalo’s pet project.

“Ighalo has done very well for himself. The best thing in life is to give back to the society. In this part of the world we always want to take without given back,” Siasia said.

They came in large numbers; young, talented and of course, with hope in their eyes. It could not have been otherwise, given the fast rise of Rilwan “Baby Face” Babatunde, discovered at GOtv Boxing NextGen Search 1, to the status of the next big thing on the circuit.

For two days, the premises of Walan Hotel (formerly D’Rovans) in Ibadan brimmed with young boxers, as GOtv Boxing NextGen 3 held at a venue famous for boxing. The programme, an audition for boxers aged between 18 and 25 and seeking to join the professional ranks, attracted boxers from as far as Jos, Abuja and the South-East geo-political zone.

In attendance were members of the Nigerian boxing’s coaching royalty. They included Joe Mensah, Obisia Nwakpa and Jerry Okorodudu, who were on the judges’ panel. Also present was Dr. Rafiu Ladipo, President, Nigerian Boxing Board of Control (NBB of C), Mr. Remi Aboderin, General Secretary, NBB of C; and Mr. Lateef Opaleye, Chairman, Oyo State Boxing Association. Speaking at the opening, Mr. Jenkins Alumona, CEO, Flykite Promotions, the organisers, said the initiative is a continuation of the revival of Nigerian boxing being undertaken by GOtv. He noted that the first two editions of the programme held in Lagos, but was moved to Ibadan because the city was where GOtv launched in 2007 and also has a long association with boxing.

Alumona advised participating boxers to see the programme as an opportunity to go further in their trade, adding that Mr. Adewunmi Ogunsanya, Chairman, MultiChoice Nigeria and GOtv Boxing, had undertaken to pay for the professional licences and medical tests for all those selected.

The sparring sessions, said the judges’ panel headed by Coach Joe Mensah, were impressive. The two days devoted to sparring sessions at the Walan Hotel Gym, managed by the Oyo State Boxing Association, saw over 200 boxers attempt to catch the eyes of selectors. On the closing day, the panel had drawn up a list of those adjudged the best in readiness for announcement at a ceremony held at July 21 Hall, The Law Hub, Ring Road, Ibadan.

Speaking at the ceremony, Alumona advised those that did not make the cut not to be discouraged. He counselled that failure to make the court should spur them to be better next time. Dr. Ladipo, President, NBB of C, cautioned the young boxers to avoid womanising and use of harmful substances if they want to get to the top of their game.

A total of 23 boxers were selected, with three adjudged as being the most promising. Abuja-based Razak Ramon emerged as the most valuable boxer. He was followed by Akure-based Daniel Emeka and Lagos-based Sulaimon Adeosun. Each of the three boxers was given a GOtv decoder. Others selected also got prizes.

A cash support of N100, 000, courtesy of the Chairman, GOtv Boxing, was announced for the Oyo State Boxing Association, while that of N50, 000 was announced for the Boxing Coaches Association in the state.

The maiden edition of the much anticipated 4-inch high-heel race came to an exciting end last Saturday with Emmanuel Francesca, a 19-year old secondary school student, as the champion.

The unique event which was a mixture of entertainment, leisure and sport attracted 50 ladies between the ages of 18-28 years held in Lagos.

Speaking during the event, the organiser and the Chief Executive Officer/Managing Director, DAK Marketing Services Limited, Elder Dede Kalu, expressed enthusiasm and excitement about the event. According to him, "we are concerned about the numerous injuries ladies encounter on a daily basis while walking on heels. We have provided this platform to inculcate smartness and build confidence in them while wearing heels," he pointed out.

In her remarks, the Senior Client Service Manager, Mercy Ukpai Uma, said that the event was also an empowerment programme where ladies receive cash prizes and build their future. "I am excited to be associated with the maiden edition of 4 inch heel race competition. We intend to take this concept to a higher level beyond Nigeria," she stated.

The 19 years old SSCE student, Emmanuel Francisca who emerged as the winner of the maiden edition won a cash prize of N100,000, while Unaigwe Nkiruka Jennifer won the second prize with a cash prize of N50,000 and Azide Judía clinched the third prize, and won for herself N30,000. Other participants went home with consolation prizes.