Professional Boxers Felicitate NBB of C General Secretary on Diamond Jubilee
Members of the Progressive Professional Boxers Association of Nigeria have paid a courtesy visit to the General Secretary of the Nigerian Boxing Board of Control (NBB of C), Oluwaremilekun Aboderin, to felicitate with him on his 60th birthday, which was celebrated on Friday, August 14, 2026.
The delegation was led by the Coordinator of the association, Idris Abiodun Afini, and included the Vice Coordinator, Obinna Mathew; General Secretary, Sikiru Sogbesan; Assistant General Secretary, Hamza Idris; Treasurer, Samuel Opaogun; and prominent female boxer, Bolatito “Black Tito” Oluwole, among other members.
The boxers said their visit was primarily to appreciate Aboderin for his contribution to the growth and development of professional boxing in Nigeria.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, they recalled the state of professional boxing in the country before the current administration of the NBB of C, noting that the sport has recorded significant progress under the leadership of Aboderin and the President of the Board, Dr. Rafiu Oladipo.
They said they were particularly grateful that professional boxers were increasingly enjoying the dividends of their sacrifices, sweat and blood shed during rigorous training sessions and bouts in the gym and boxing ring.
According to the delegates, the improvements recorded in the sport have translated into better opportunities and benefits for professional boxers, while expressing confidence that the sector would attain even greater heights under the continued leadership of the NBBofC.
They urged Aboderin not to relent in his efforts and advised him to discountenance detractors, assuring him that professional boxers remained solidly behind the NBB of C under Dr. Rafiu Oladipo and other members of the Board.
The association also expressed its readiness to support reforms aimed at improving the welfare of boxers, particularly in the areas of health and remuneration, including better purses.
The delegates maintained that any genuine reform introduced by the Board would ultimately be in the interest of boxers and would help improve their welfare and prospects within the sport.
Responding, Aboderin said he was deeply honoured by the visit and particularly touched by the 60th birthday gift presented to him by the professional boxers.
He expressed appreciation for their gesture, noting that their presence was a demonstration of solidarity and recognition of the work being done to advance professional boxing in Nigeria.
Aboderin quoted the saying, “Hard times don’t last, but hard people do,” stressing that boxing, although widely described as the “gentleman’s sport,” is one that attracts people with courage, resilience and determination.
He said that despite the obstacles confronting the sport, he was confident that they would be overcome through divine grace and the unity of stakeholders.
According to him, the people involved in the administration and development of boxing are not “lily-livered,” but are resilient individuals capable of confronting challenges and pushing the sport forward.
The General Secretary further appreciated the professional boxers for their confidence in the Board and urged stakeholders to remain united as efforts continue to strengthen professional boxing and improve the welfare of practitioners.
The visit ended on a note of solidarity, with the Progressive Professional Boxers Association reaffirming its support for the NBB of C leadership and its commitment to working with the Board for the continued growth of professional boxing in Nigeria.
