Yemi Sodeeq
Nigerian lightweight title, West African Lightweight Title, and Commonwealth lightweight champion Jimoh Lamidi Oladipupo, popular known as ‘Atomic Bomb’ has turned to a security man (Gate Man) in Ilorin,Kwara State.
‘Atomic Bomb’ started his career in 1968 at Alakoro sports Boxing centre, Lagos State, he ruled his world as one of best of his time.Born in Ile Ololo, Offa , Jimoh was able to win 12 medals including Gold,Bronze and Silver from National and International championship during his active years.
“Nigerian professional lightweight boxer in the 1970s and ’80s,he won the Nigerian lightweight title, West African Lightweight Title, and Commonwealth lightweight title”.
Married two wives, Hogan Jimoh had 12 children from his marriage to Fatima Lamidi ,a Bendelite in the present Edo State and Sikiratu Lamidi who hails from Offa, Kwara State.
The former Nigerian boxer told Sportspro news correspondent that life has been terrible since he retired from active sports as he now lives on a paltry wages of #20,000 as security staff in one of the private homes of an hospital proprietor in the kwara state capital.
His present status is one of the many of Nigerian retired athletes who now toil after serving the Nation with their sweat and strength.
There could be more to live for Jimoh as a deliberate and magnanimous intervention from authorities and concerned individuals can help restore and restock ‘Atomic Bomb’ to his better self – even at his old age.
It would be recalled that the Honourable Minister of Youth and Sports Development,Mr Sunday Dare had taken the bull by its horn by coming to rescue some ex-athletes who are in dire need. No doubt ,such gesture is currently needed to salvage the boxing legend.
