Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State has appointed two-time former world heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua as the state’s Sports Ambassador.
The governor welcomed Joshua at the Government House in Abeokuta on Monday.
“As a gesture of our collective pride and recognition of his contributions to sports, we were delighted to present him with a letter appointing him as a Sports Ambassador for Ogun State,” the governor wrote in a post on his X account.
“This appointment underscores our commitment to celebrating excellence and supporting individuals who bring honor and pride to our state.
“Together, we look forward to Anthony Joshua achieving even greater victories and continuing to be a beacon of inspiration for Ogun State and beyond.”
Abiodun hailed Joshua for his “remarkable achievements in the world of boxing” which he said continues to inspire others across the globe.
“Anthony Joshua’s remarkable achievements in the world of boxing continue to inspire millions, including the people of Ogun State. His dedication, discipline, and excellence embody the values we uphold as a state,” he said.
The boxer was accompanied by some of his family members during the special courtesy visit.
“This visit is a testament to the bond we share as a people and our collective pride in the success stories that emerge from Ogun State,” Governor Abiodun said. “We remain committed to supporting our talents and creating an environment that nurtures greatness in all spheres of life.”
The governor announced that his administration will build a new indoor boxing ring, which will be named after Joshua.
He also shared that the 35-year-old boxing champion will have the honor of lighting the torch for the Gateway Games National Sports Festival, now rescheduled for May next year.