By Teju Adeoye
Prophet Israel Oladele Ogundipe, Senior Pastor, Genesis Global Parish of the Celestial Church of Christ (CCC), has urged the reigning Japanese featherweight boxing champion, Ridwan Oyekola, famously known as ‘Scorpion’ to put God first in his life as he said many other things will follow if he does so.
The popular Clergy made the call while playing host to the Japan based Ibadan born former World Boxing Federation (WBF) title holder in his Lagos residence, where he expressed his love for the game of boxing and assuring the boxer of his unflinching support, both spiritual and otherwise.
“I’m your fan and I always follow all your fights in Japan and I must say that it takes the grace of God for an African boxer to excel as you have done in the land of Asia especially in combat sports because that’s their area of expertise,” Genesis told Scorpion.
He added that “a sportsperson can glorify God with their words by acknowledging that the ability and opportunity to play their sport, regardless of how they perform, comes ultimately from God. Thus, I will urge you to learn to thank God or give glory to God when you perform well or otherwise.”
“In other words, put God first in your life, and all of His blessings will follow. The blessings of the gospel, spiritual strength, increased knowledge, peace in your heart, and so many others all flow into your life when you put God first,” said Pastor Genesis.
He however pledged to work with Scorpion in assisting other Nigerian youths that are aspiring to become a successful professional boxer by providing financial incentives to amateur boxers that want to turn pro to obtain a professional boxing license.
Ridwan Scorpion who had just recorded a round one knockout against Ghana’s Emmanuel Quartey in his ‘Homecoming bout’ held on 13th October at a boxing show held inside the indoor sports hall of National Stadium, Surulere Lagos, thanked the Man of God for his show of love towards boxing, especially his boxing career.
