Joel Ajayi
Former Super Eagles striker Odion Ighalo has thrown his weight behind Nigerian professinal barber Joshua Aiyenuro Babatunde who recently broke the Guinness World Record for the longest haircut marathon after spending over 154 continuous hours cutting hair at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.
Impressed by Joshua’s feat, Ighalo pledged support for his next big project an initiative aimed at empowering 37,000 barbers across Nigeria.
The initiative targets 1,000 young barbers in each of the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
While hosting Aiyenuro Babatunde at his Abuja residence over the weekend, the Al-Wehda of Saudi Arabia forward congratulated him and commended his resilience and determination.
“By achieving this record, you’re not only putting yourself on the world map but also your family and your community.
“As a professional footballer, I’ve played under coaches who told me I wasn’t good enough. But look at me now almost 20 years in my career, having played for over 12 clubs in seven or eight countries.”
Ighalo, who grew up in Ajegunle, Lagos, shared how he has dedicated his life to helping the less privileged.
“I run an academy, have an orphanage in my house, and cater for widows every month. Just this morning, I met with some widows in Abuja to give them support.
I’ve empowered over 250 youths from my street alone. So, initiatives like this will help to take people off the streets.”
“So, this project is a welcome development. If more people support ventures like this, society will be better. Crime will reduce, and more lives will be transformed. It won’t be easy, but with the same determination he showed during his over 154-hour haircut, I believe he can achieve it. I’ll give my full support in every way I can.”
In response, Ayenuro expressed heartfelt gratitude to Ighalo for his encouragement and support, recalling their first meeting in 2018 when the Super Eagles were preparing for the FIFA World Cup in Russia.
“I had no life when I was in Lagos. But things changed when I came to Abuja. I met Ighalo in Uyo in 2018, and he cared for me. That gave me the strength to keep going,” Joshua said.
“I’ve also worked in his charity home in Lagos, cutting hair for the children. When I got the call to meet him again, I canceled all appointments. Seeing Ighalo is like seeing Jesus. Thank you for everything for allowing God to use you to uplift me.”
Ayenuro’s remarkable journey and his ambition to empower thousands of barbers nationwide continues to attract admiration and support across Nigeria.
