In a continuation of the Lagos state government’s drive towards
using sports as a tool for development, plans are underway to mark the first
anniversary of Governor Akinwumi Ambode with an intercontinental professional
wrestling championship.
According to reports,
the Nigerian Wrestling Federation have concluded plans to fly in the wrestling
legend and his colleague, Undertaker, for the A+A Intercontinental Wrestle
Force – which is one of the activities lined up to mark the governor’s one year
in office.
Put together by the Nigerian Wrestling Federation (NWF) in alliance
with the Current World Wrestling Federation, wrestlers from different parts of
the world would be in Lagos to participate in the event that will hold in 14
centres in the three senatorial districts of Lagos.
In the words of the NWF’s president, Prince Olarenwaju Mohammed, the
federation is glad to invite the wrestling legend, who also said he’s willing
to visit Lagos.
“We have invited
renowned wrestling champion, Hulk Hogan and Undertaker to be part of the show.
Hogan specifically told us that he would like to come to Lagos once in his
lifetime to see how the city looks like,” he said.
Continuing, he said, ‘The reason we are having the championship in
multiple centres is to bring wrestling closer to the people at the grassroots.
We want our people to see those wrestling stars who they normally watch on
television live at their domain.
‘These centres
include Epe, Alimosho, Badagry, Ojo, Ikorodu, Ikeja, Ifako Ijaiye, Agboyi Ketu,
Eti Osa, Oshodi Isolo, Yaba-Mainland, Lagos Island, Surulere, while the grand
finale will hold in Agege,” he said.
NWF president, Prince Olarenwaju Mohammed said the
first-of-its kind event is a projection of the good governance of Ambode’s
administration to the outside world.
“Our plan is to project Lagos to the outside world that the state is
peaceful despite all the negative reports in the international media. I always
tell people that we cannot quantify the benefits of staging international
competitions in our community like the recently held Lagos City Marathon.
The Publicity Committee will embark on a series of events to bring
awareness to the show which is slated for May.
