The Boxing Promoters Association of Nigeria (BPAN) has unveiled a free healthcare package for Nigerian boxers under its welfare program “BPAN-Care”. The body in partnership with the New Ikeja Hospital have announced the first of its kind healthcare initiative for pugilists.
The partnership was formalized in Lagos over weekend with the signing of MOU, after BPAN Executives led by the President, Hon. Omonlei Imadu met officials of the New Ikeja Hospital at the medical facility.
The NIH had partnered BPAN, aligning its community and outreach project with the body, to provide quality healthcare for the athletes. The partnership represents a huge step taken by BPAN to ensure medical support of boxers.
According to the (MOU) under the BPAN-Cares initiative, the New Ikeja Hospital will offer one free annual health check-up for “one hundred (100) boxers, covering Blood Pressure, Blood sugar, Hepatitis B, as well as HIV. The medical facility will also provide a 15 percent discount on advance medical test such as; MRI, ECG, and Kidney function tests. The New Ikeja Hospital will exhibit its products and conduct activations at BPAN’s organized events across the country.
The Business Development Manager, New Ikeja Hospital, Hamza Dantata, said the NIH’s commitment to the BPAN-Care initiative will enhance the body’s quest to revolutionize boxing in Nigeria as athletes now guaranteed adequate medical care before, during and after boxing fights.
In his words: “This partnership is very important to us as an organization because it involves touching the lives of young people, the Boxing Promoters Association Of Nigeria have demonstrated a high level of professionalism and integrity in its operations and we believe that this collaboration will further enhance the development of boxing in Nigeria, especially in the area of healthcare”.
An elated President of the Boxing Promoters Association Of Nigeria (BPAN) Omonlei Imadu said the free and subsidized healthcare packages is one of the numerous welfare programs under the “BPAN-Care” initiative.
” This is what “BPAN” is truly about, creating an all encompassing structure for the boxers, we would continue to prioritize the needs and interests of the athletes in our operations”
“Our partnership with (NIH) further reaffirms our shared vision of providing adequate healthcare and medical support for Nigerian boxers”. said Imadu.
While assuring on further collaborations and partnerships with relevant organizations, to improve the safety of combat sports, especially boxing, the Yacateco boss says BPAN will create the much needed structure, regulations and extensive platform that will benefit sports men and women.
Other BPAN executives present at the event includes Saleh Fawaz, International Vice, President, Patrick Ekujumi, Chairman BPAN-Care, and Yusuf Olowolekomoh, Sec.General. others are
Ezekiel Oshinmi – regional president, Onyeka Elum, ex officio.
The BPAN/NIH landmark partnership will impact the sport ecosystem as boxers will be encouraged to give their best and excel in the sport. The athlete-centric initiative enhances safety while preventing fatality in the ring.
