Entertainment
THE organisers of the 2024 Eko Celebrity Global Fight Concert say that the show is targeting more of underprivileged entertainers and sportsmen/women, to give them the right platform to grow.
The organisers pledged at the show’s unveiling at the Kingscelia Hotel and Event Centre, Jibowu Street, Lagos on Friday that it would be the “Biggest Gathering of Stars”.
Speaking on the project, Loveth Ekufu, the first Nigerian and African to be crowned two-time world champion in Women’s Kickboxing, said that the event was fully packed with many activities.
Ekufu said that all the activities aimed at discovering hidden talents in Nigeria’s sports and entertainment industry.
“We are actually looking for a way to give platforms to the abundant talents in the Nigerian sports and entertainment industry.
“What baffles me is that Nigeria is full of talents, while those concerned are not doing enough to put these athletes in the spotlight and give them world platforms which should have been a great and profitable investment.
“I was discovered by the President of the Nigeria Kickboxing Federation (NKF), Wilson Godwin, out of nowhere and he took me to Ghana from where I became the undisputed world champion.
“If I was not discovered then, only God knows where I would have been. It’s time to start discovering more of myself in the grassroots,” she said.
Ekufu further said that the discovery of talents in Nigeria should not be left to government alone, adding that more corporate sponsors could also invest in the profitable venture.
“Without doubt, Nigeria is blessed with many undiscovered talents out there; I can’t let this slide, because we have a duty to discover more, and that is one of the main reasons for this world concert.
“Overtime, Nigeria has been a shaker in combat sports all over the world, and I know that there are many more that need the platform that I am now giving them to thrive.
“When we say government, we are all in it together, we should also support the government to launch more of our hidden talents to the world stage.
“I will urge more of the corporate organisations to key into this project and provide the needed support to launch our young ones to the world platform which is the only thing needed,” she said.
Ekufu stressed that giving the youth more platforms in sport would greatly help in reducing youth restiveness and criminal activities.
“This event, 2024 Eko Celebrity Global Fight Concert is not about sports alone, we also have one of the biggest industries in Nigeria, entertainment as one of the major event.
“We have as part of the event line-up, top-rated musicians to perform, comedians, fashion shows and many more side attractions.
“We are looking for the real stars in Nigeria, those that can perform better than I did and those who can break world records,” she said.
According to Ekufu, the 2024 Eko Celebrity Global Fight Concert will be held at the Queens Park Event Centre, Water Corporation Drive, Victoria Island in September.
Ekufu, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), added that many sportsmen/women would be in attendance from all over the world auditioning and hunting for talent.
The former President, Nigeria Kickboxing Federation (NKF), Wilson Godwin, said that Nigeria being blessed with so many sportsmen needed more championships and tournaments for these talents to be discovered.
“I have come across many young Nigerians that needed platforms to showcase their talents, then I always say to myself, more competition will help.
“It’s been my passion to discover great sportsmen for Nigeria, those that can do the nation proud.
“So, for the 2024 Eko Celebrity Global Fight Concert, I will urge interested young ones to make use of this opportunity to launch themselves into the limelight.
“We are expecting many scouts from all over the world to be in attendance, and to help the younger ones fulfill their dreams,” he said.
Ace musician, Zakky Azzay, who was also present at the inauguration of the show, said that the coming together of two of Nigeria’s money spinning venture would further provide more employment for young Nigerians.
Azzay, who is the 2nd Vice President, Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN), said: “We are on the right path with this project which I expect will involve many Nigerian youths.
“This is a right model for developing the youth and it involves investment in what appeals to them most. We have many upcoming musicians that will be interested in this laudable project.”
NAN reports that activities lined up for the three-day event include celebrity global beauty pageant, live music and entertainment, international celebrity boxing/wrestling, entertainment fights and amateur combat sports display.
Others are celebrity global fashion show, live comedy and a fine art talent fair. (NAN)
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-April 12, 2024 @ 17:18 GMT|
Tags: 2024 Eko Celebrity Global Fight Concert Loveth Ekufu
