Nigerian sprinter Kanyinsola Ajayi received a rousing homecoming in Ikorodu, facilitated by Rep. Babajimi Benson, Member of the House of Representatives for Ikorodu Federal Constituency, with Hon. Toyin Gafaar Bolowotan, APC Candidate for Lagos State House of Assembly, Ikorodu Constituency I, Omo’ba Hammed Olalekan Aroyewun, Chairman Igbogbo-Baiyeku LCDA, Mayor Ameen Apashile, Chairman Ikorodu North LCDA, joining leaders, former colleagues, teachers, friends and family members to celebrate his impressive achievements on the international athletics stage.

Speaking during the homecoming, Benson expressed happiness at seeing Kanyinsola back home, noting that he had been watching the young athlete on television and was delighted to receive him in the community.

Benson commended Kanyinsola for his achievements and expressed particular happiness that the young athlete resides in Nigeria, is in school and is able to combine his education with his athletics career. He noted that Kanyinsola’s progress is an inspiring example for other young people in Ikorodu Division.

He also recalled that many talented athletes in the past did not have the opportunities and interventions required to develop their abilities. According to him, the coach had informed him that some young athletes possessed strong potential, but many eventually moved to America, while some went on to represent other countries.

Benson stressed the need to create platforms that would allow young talents to develop their abilities locally. He pointed to sporting facilities and competitions, including the Moshood Abiola Stadium, as important opportunities for athletes to showcase their talents.

He also noted that Ikorodu has young people with talents across different sporting disciplines, including combat and extreme sports, who require the necessary support to develop and excel.

Benson encouraged young people to keep grinding, trust themselves and continue putting in the work, urging them to remain committed to whatever they believe in and never give up on their dreams.

The homecoming began with a radio interview before Kanyinsola proceeded to the office of Rep. Babajimi Benson.

From the office, Kanyinsola paid a visit to the palace of the Adeboruwa of Igbogbo Kingdom, Oba Abdulsemiu Orimadegun Kasali, who congratulated the young athlete and prayed for greater success in his athletics career.

The monarch urged Kanyinsola to contribute to the success and development of Igbogbo, Ikorodu, Lagos State and Nigeria, praying that having risen to the top in Nigeria and Africa, he would continue climbing the ladder until he reaches number one in the world.

Oba Kasali also applauded Rep. Babajimi Benson for his leadership and support, praying for him to continue to rise to greater heights.

Kanyinsola was later taken on a tour of the Igbogbo Stadium by Rep. Babajimi Benson and Hon. Toyin Gafaar Bolowotan.

Hon. Toyin Gafaar Bolowotan, APC Candidate for Lagos State House of Assembly, Ikorodu Constituency I, and former Director-General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, recalled his contribution to the development of the stadium during his tenure, noting that the work done at the time helped bring the facility to fruition and that the stadium has since produced sporting stars.

He also commended Kanyinsola’s coach, Coach Pade, describing her as a good mother to the young people she trains. Bolowotan noted that he was not surprised that she discovered Kanyinsola, given her commitment to identifying and nurturing young talents.

He expressed pride in Kanyinsola’s achievements and commended him for remaining steadfast throughout his journey.

Coach Pade expressed pride in Kanyinsola Ajayi’s achievements, describing him as number one in Nigeria, number one in Africa and number three in the world.

She noted that Ikorodu still has many champions waiting to be discovered, stressing that there are numerous young talents in the community with the potential to excel in athletics.

Coach Pade appreciated Rep. Babajimi Benson for his support, recalling that he facilitated the construction of her street in Selewu, which she said was previously in a bad state.

She also revealed that she has produced 12 young athletes who are doing well and have gained international recognition, and prayed for more champions to emerge from Ikorodu.

The homecoming also provided an opportunity for Kanyinsola to reconnect with his former teammates, teacher and friends, many of whom were present to celebrate his achievements.

The final stop of the homecoming was at the Ita-Elewa Youth Centre, where Kanyinsola received a rousing welcome from his former colleagues, teachers, friends and family members.

His mother, Mrs Oluwakemi Ajayi, expressed appreciation to Kanyinsola for making the family proud and for remaining focused throughout his journey. She also appreciated his coach for the guidance and support given to him.

Mrs Ajayi encouraged other young people to remain steadfast, focused and committed to working towards their dreams.

Speaking at the welcome, the Executive Chairman of Igbogbo-Baiyeku LCDA, Omo’ba Hammed Olalekan Aroyewun, appreciated Rep. Babajimi Benson for his continued support for young people and his efforts towards nurturing youths.

Aroyewun also acknowledged Bolowotan’s contribution to the development of the Igbogbo Stadium, noting that Bolowotan worked hard on the facility during his tenure and that without the work done at the time, the stadium may not have reached its present stage.

He noted that the stadium has since produced sporting stars and commended Rep. Babajimi Benson for nurturing and supporting young people.

Aroyewun also commended Kanyinsola for the way he related with his former colleagues from Oreyo Grammar School, noting that his interaction with them showed that he had not forgotten home.

Addressing Kanyinsola, Aroyewun described him as an ambassador of Igbogbo-Baiyeku LCDA, Ikorodu Division, Lagos State and Nigeria at large.