In a move to boost boxing development in Lagos, BPAN President Omonlei Yakubu Imadu has started constructing an ultra-modern boxing gym at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, delivering on his commitment to the LSSC to create a top-notch training hub for athletes.
Following his July 2024 meeting with LSSC Director General Lekan Fatodu, Yucateco Boxing Promotions CEO Omonlei Yakubu Imadu is making good on his promise to build a state-of-the-art boxing gym. During a recent site visit, Imadu expressed confidence that the facility will be ready by the end of November 2024.
“I am here with my team to see firsthand the level of work done by the contractors; this project is very vital to me because it has to do with empowering young people through sports.”
“Once this facility is complete, it will help to develop young boxers not only for Lagos state but future world and Olympics champions for Nigeria,” Imadu told reporters.
Through the Yucateco Boxing League, Imadu seeks to collaborate with and strengthen the existing framework of government institutions and sports bodies to advance the sport of boxing nationwide.
“We can’t make headway in developing boxing without the right facilities to groom our pugilists, I think that the government alone cannot adequately fund sports in the country hence the private sector and individuals with the ability must as well take the lead”
“I am glad that the LSSC is truly interested in this project, the DG Mr. Lekan Fatodu has shared several insights with me since my last visit to the commission, and I believe that this will be the start of further collaboration in growing boxing in the state.”
Imadu’s contributions to the growth and development of boxing in Nigeria were recently acknowledged by the president of the African Boxing Union, Houcine Houichi, at the recently held ABU convention in Kampala.