In a unique blend of tradition and sport, Engineer Saheed Babtunde, a director in vehicle service, has been championing the cause of Ram charging in Nigeria since 1983.
As a member of the Ram Lover Association of Nigeria, Babtunde has been instrumental in promoting this traditional sport, which has been gaining momentum in recent years.
Babtunde’s passion for the sport is evident in his dedication to nurturing potential champions. One such example is his ram, Kuye, who he spotted just before it was about to be slaughtered for Salah. Recognizing the ram’s potential, Babtunde negotiated a swap with the owner, trading a larger ram worth 250,000 Naira for Kuye. Today, Kuye is an unbeatable champion in the sport, valued at a whopping 1 million Naira.
When asked about the profitability of Ram charging, Babtunde explained, “It’s only those that really know the intricacy of the game. It’s a game. Even when I was in China, I was in China 2014. Most of these things are traditional sports. They don’t play with it in China, even you can see birds. You see everybody on Sunday morning. Everybody comes with their ram, with their birds. They want to challenge because it is tradition, they will host competitions.”
Babtunde believes that Ram charging has the potential to be as popular and respected as other traditional sports in countries like China. He sees the sport as a viable investment opportunity, advising those with money to consider buying and nurturing rams. According to him, a well-cared-for ram can yield a 60% return on investment during Salah, making it a profitable venture.
Despite the challenges, such as the fear of the ram dying, Babtunde remains optimistic about the future of Ram charging in Nigeria. He sees the growing interest in the sport, with rams coming from Ibadan, Oyo, Ilorin, and other parts of the country for the national competition. He believes that the ability to identify a potential champion is key to success in the sport.
As the final of the national competition draws near, all eyes are on Kuye, the undefeatable champion. Regardless of the outcome, one thing is clear – Engineer Saheed Babtunde’s passion and dedication to Ram charging have not only elevated the sport but also provided a unique investment opportunity in Nigeria.
