The African Boxing Ambassador, Bashiru Lawrence Ali, OON, has become a household name in the world of boxing due to his tall ambition to make a name for himself as the oldest man to achieve two things in one night; win the Guinness World Record as the oldest man to step into a boxing ring and if he wins the fight, as the oldest man to win a world boxing title. Not only this, he would have put the name of Nigeria once again in the world record book.
The World Boxing Federation (WBF) cruiserweight champion turned 67 last February 27.
To Bash Ali, as he is fondly called by his teeming admirers who cut across all shades of life, and dreams, they say hardly die. It is not for fun that 17 years ago, his dream of becoming the Guinness World Record Boxing Champion refused to die.
Many have given up on their dreams or even died with them, however, for Bash Ali, the man has remained on course until the mark is made.
There are many doubting Thomases, who have dismissed this dream with a wave of the hand, wondering if he wants to kill himself in the adventure.
Those who want to listen to themselves speak on the initiative, would prefer he is stopped in his tracks.
Being a man of conviction that Bash is, he has said: “I know that many people give up on their dreams and die with it, but I am an extraordinary man.
“I will accomplish my dream and continue to fight till I am 70 years old, retire young and healthy with a lot of money and then go into politics and become the President of Nigeria.”
Many think he is on the path of damnation. But they do not know he has always been convinced beyond reasonable doubt of his capacity, capability and holding power in the game.
He has never given up on his dream, and neither has he ever gioven up on Nigeria. His implicit faith in his capacity has never been in doubt; and that has remained incontrovertible.
It is annoying, some Nigerians have regrettably curious opponents of anything good. They are supposed to support his ambition but are strongly against it.
If Bash Ali were to be a white man living in the West, his dream and ambition would have seen the light of the day, despite the assertion of those against the dream.
Bash Ali with Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria
Older persons desirous of fulfilling an ambition in the west and other saner climes would have been supported without a second thought in order to rewrite boxing history.
Today, we are where we are and perhaps more shameful that dreams are hardly pursued on account of what people would say.
For those who do not believe, Champion Bash Ali will surely shock the world by rewriting boxing history and making all his fiercest critics his most adored disciples.
You may do well to mark these words and get ready to be part of boxing history in the making. This has been a goal.
The initiative, if anyone cares to know has been privately driven. The Federal Government of Nigeria has never given a kobo since Champion Bash Ali embarked on the Guinness World Record Boxing Championship Fight initiative.
Rather, he has spent billions of Naira of personal money. Anyone who doubts it is free to cross-check.
We thought Bash Ali needed to be commended not condemned. But the choice is all yours to act. You can bet against him on the fight night, but we dare say you will lose your money because he is going to win.
The fact that Champion Bash Ali has continued to meet senior government officials and other critical stakeholders is to let the world know that he is able to do it and create history on his side.
The meeting was a moment for the World Boxing Federation (WBF) Cruiserweight champion, Bash Ali to inform the government that the proposed Guinness World Record Boxing Championship which is scheduled to be held for the first time on African soil, outside the United States is possible.
If you feel not perpetrated to the cause, there is something hanging out in the air: A chance to make history and place Nigeria’s Bash Ali in the Guinness World Record beckons.
He is encouraged. It is on the way!
Bash Ali began his boxing career in September 1978 and never fought as an amateur. He is the only boxer in the world to win every cruiserweight title conceivable.
Bash Ali’s last fight was in 2004 when he knocked out the then-British cruiserweight champion, Tony Booth, in the fourth round. It is on record that in 1985, Bash Ali made history as the first cruiserweight boxing champion from the African continent.
Govt Should Give Annual Grants To Nigerian Clubsides – Sanmi Doherty
Stakeholders of Nigerian football opined that governments at all levels should completely hands off sponsorship or ownership of football clubs in Nigeria.
According to some aficionados, the state-owned clubs have not thrived or perform better than privately owned clubs in recent times.
And yet, another strong voice in the fortunes of Nigerian football has joined the fray, albeit from a fresher angle.
Speaking in a recent interview, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Ikorodu City Football club, Sanmi Doherty, admonished the federal government to establish a football trust fund that would empower the clubs to operate in line with the global best practices in world football. He added that Nigerian clubs would be able to compete favourably with their counterparts on the continent.
“I think government should only provide the facilities the enabling environment for the clubs. I think we can also have a trust fund fir Nigerian clubs. Tell me, why can’t the federal government earmark certain amounts of money as annual grants to help the clubs playing in the league?
“You know we’re not only promoting football, we’re also empowering the youths and using football to curb restiveness amongst the youths.
” Football is big business and capital intensive. For instance, if I know that I’m going to receive maybe N3billion from the government as my annual allocation, I can conveniently go for the best players, pay them very well, and ensure they get the conducive environment to ply their trades professionally and of course, the desired results will come,” the youthful club owner enthused confidently.
International Day of Sports For Devt. & Peace: LSSC, Global Sports Ambassadors Announce Commemorative Events
As part of the activities marking the 2025 International Day of Sports for Development and Peace, the Lagos State Sports Commission in collaboration with the Global Ambassadors Initiative has announced a series of events commemorating the celebration.
At a media briefing held on Friday at the Conference Room of the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Director General, Lekan Fatodu discussed extensively the significance of sports in propagating youth empowerment, social cohesion and bridging the gaps in segregating some members of the society.
The LSSC boss stated that the IDSDP is in harmony with the commission mandate of encouraging mass participation in sports, providing an enabling environment for youth to exhibit their hidden talent irrespective of their social status and background.
The theme for this year’s celebration is ’Leveling the Playing Field: Sports For Social Inclusion’, Fatodu highlights the role of sports in bringing everybody on the board and ensuring that no one is neglected. He acknowledged its positive impact in challenging stereotypes and prejudices, giving voices to the voiceless and fostering gender equality.
The Lagos state government through the sports commission, over time, has leveraged the power of sports in bringing the youth into the limelight, providing opportunities for talents to combine sports with education to raise future leaders and champions from the communities.
The partnership with Carmel Academy to mark the International Day of Sports for Development and Peace attests to the power of collaboration with the Lagos State Sports Commission, Ministry of Education, Lagos State Universal Basic Education, Sports Providing Entities and corporate sponsors.
Executive Trustee of Ambassador Initiatives for Youth Development and Conflict Resolution, Ndidi Edeoghon, said the IDSDP was designed to showcase the impact of sports on social changes, bridging the gap of inequality, gender sensitivity, promoting a healthy environment and the immense contributions to the livelihood.
The International Day of Sports for Development and Peace is celebrated globally on April 6th every year, as designated by the United Nations General Assembly. The three-day event will feature about 1000 pupils and students from selected primary and secondary schools across the state. The debate, competition and award ceremony are set for May 7th, 8th and 10th respectively.
After the Leadership debate on the opening day, participate in Athletics, Swimming and Board Games including Ayo Olopon on the second day while pupils and students who perform exceptionally well in both debate and sports activities will get awards and certificates on the final day.
Francis And Fidelia Ibhawoh Foundation Unveils New Logo, Announces 2025 Essay Competition
Sequel to the name change effected four years ago as published in a National Newspaper from Francis Ibhawoh foundation to ‘FRANCIS AND FIDELIA IBHAWOH FOUNDATION’, the body in a press statement reiterate it’s are pleasure to announce that the name change reflects the shared values and lifelong commitment of Francis and Fidelia Ibhawoh to Education, Community Development, and Youth Empowerment.
“While the foundation’s name has evolved, our mission and core values remain unchanged, as we continue to strive for a positive impact in our local communities, while also empowering young people to find their voices and shape their future.”
Speaking at an event held in Lagos on the 16th of March 2025 to unveil the Foundation’s new logo, the Chairman of the Foundation, Gerard Ibhawoh states that, “the name change is more than symbolic. As it is a testament to the shared vision, values, and dedication of Francis and Fidelia Ibhawoh, whose lifelong commitment to making a difference in the lives of young people and communities continues to inspire us”.
He also announced that in line with the foundation’s commitment to fostering intellectual discourse and critical thinking, the Francis and Fidelia Ibhawoh Foundation, is pleased to announce the call for entries for the 2025 edition of its annual essay competition for undergraduates.
The 2025 Essay Competition has the theme, ‘Sports As a Catalyst for Social Change and National Development: In what ways can sports foster social inclusion, peacebuilding and youth empowerment?’
It further remarked that sports have the power to bridge divides, inspire communities, and drive meaningful change. How can we harness this power for a better society?
Entries for the essay competition opened April 01, 2025, and closes on
May 15, 2025. Winners will be announced on June 02, 2025, and with a prize money of N100,000 each for the best essays. And for further information, interested participants can reach out to: www.ibhawohfoundation.com, and contact@ibhawohfoundation.com
The Francis and Fidelia Ibhawoh Foundation reaffirms its dedication to championing education, youth development, and community progress. As it looks forward to receiving insightful essays from young thinkers across the nation, in the bids to continue to inspire positive change.