NSF: Military , Paramilitary Forces boost boxers with 500 gloves
As part of it’s efforts at further developing boxing at the grassroots as well as enable pugilists prepare adequately for the forthcoming National Sports Festival to be hosted this year by Ogun State, the Nigerian Military and Paramilitary Forces have distributed 500 pairs of boxing gloves to states and some boxing clubs in the country.
Performing the ceremony Monday on behalf of the President of the Federation Lt Gen. Kenneth Minimah (rtd) at the Old Skool Hall of the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, representative of Military and Paramilitary Forces on the board of the Nigeria Boxing Federation Major Gen. Akinniyi Oladapo Oyelade ( mni) said the gesture was part of their efforts to take the sports to higher pedestal noting that he hopes the items will go a long way in helping boxers perform well in the sports
” We’re presenting these gloves to some state sports councils and boxing clubs across the country to assist them prepare adequately for the forthcoming Sports Festival to be hosted by Ogun State in May this year .
“We think it’s important as a board to give our little bit of support to our boxers in preparation for the Sports Festival . It’s also part of our support for the general development of the sport across the nation, particularly at the grassroots.
” It is true that the life span of this board is gradually running out but I want to assure you on behalf of the President of the Federation, Lt Gen Kenneth Minimah ( rtd) that the interest of boxing is paramount in our hearts and we’ll continue to do our best for boxing and boxers in Nigeria.
Gen. Oyelade while lamenting the poor state of boxing in the country, promised that the Military and Paramilitary Forces will continue to support Nigeria regains it’s leadership position in the pugilist game.
” Everyone is concerned about the decay in Nigerian boxing. In the past people always want to see Nigerian boxers display their talents but in recent times, we’ve not done too well in the sport and we’ll continue to do the best we can to change that narrative
” You’re equally aware that there has been some contending issues with our development, social and political life and realizing that sports plays a very significant role in national and human capital development, the Military and Paramilitary Forces have continued to engage our personnel in sporting activities to ensure that they contribute to national development.
He also promised that the NBF will continue to reach out to sponsors and corporate Nigeria to invest in boxing that has in the past produced medals for the country
” The NBF under the leadership of Gen. Minimah, is unhappy with the level boxing has deteriorated and the abysmal performance of our pugilists in the last few years and we believe it’s time to pay more attention to our boxers and in doing this, we’ll continue to reach out to corporate organisations and public spirited individuals to do the needful and invest in the sports”, he concluded.
On hand to receive the items were the Secretary General of NBF, Faseesin Olalekan, board members, state coaches, from Enugu, Lagos, Ondo and Ogun, club coaches and boxing stakeholders.
