Bash Ali's bid to stage a Guinness World Record boxing championship has been endorsed by the House of Representatives, which urged him to secure private funding while calling on government agencies to offer non-financial support. The resolution followed a report by the House Committee on Public Petitions, chaired by Kwamoti Bitrus, after Ali petitioned against alleged obstruction by the National Sports Commission. Ali, a former cruiserweight champion, has campaigned for over two decades to hold the event in Nigeria, aiming to become the oldest boxer in history to compete in a professional championship bout. The committee found no grounds for direct government financing but recommended that Ali proceed with the project as a privately funded initiative. Lawmakers directed that the National Sports Commission ensure fair and timely processing of regulatory approvals and access to facilities on standard terms. The House also resolved that relevant government agencies should provide non-financial assistance such as security, protocol coordination, and international liaison when formally requested and appropriate, without creating financial liability for the government. Bitrus stated that Ali's petition detailed claims of administrative sabotage by officials of the National Sports Commission, which the committee reviewed before making its recommendations. The Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development was among the institutions urged to support the initiative within statutory limits.
The House backed Bash Ali's boxing dream but refused to commit public funds, exposing the gap between political endorsement and tangible support. This means Ali must rely on private sponsors to realise a record attempt he has pursued for over 20 years. No Nigerian or African athlete other than Bash Ali was mentioned in connection with the event.
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