BY SUNDAY AKINTOYE
The highly anticipated Grassroots Boxing Tournament “Fight for Asiwaju 2027” commenced on Tuesday at the Orile-Agege Local Council Development Area Secretariat.
The four day competition powered by the Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Right Honorable Mudashiru Obasa is opened to amateur boxers between ages from 18 to 35 fighting in various weight classes in 49kg to 91kg.
Executive Chairman of Orile-Agege Local Council Development Area, Honorable Akinola Idowu while declaring the four days tournament open noted that the ‘Fight For Asiwaju 2027’ boxing tournament
is more than competition and urged the Youths to see the boxing tournament as an opportunity to rediscover themselves and also admonished them to channel their energy into positive ventures.
The LCDA boss stated that the event aimed to promote sporting talents in Orile Agege LCDA and also foster community spirit, unity, support,youth development and empowerment.
He highlighted the importance of boxing as one of the sports that ecourages heathy living,physical fitness and enhance unity among the youths.
Akinola emphasized his administration’s commitment to use sports as a tool to engage the youth and aid talent discovery, stating the ‘Fight for Asiwaju 2027’ which came after the second edition of the Run for Asiwaju” held early this year demonstrated sports advancement in Orile-Agege and its environs.
Hon. Akinola Abiodun Idowu also highlighted the importance of structured sports engagement for the benefits of the youth. He reaffirmed readiness to promote diverse sporting activities with ‘Play for Asiwaju’ football tournament expected to hold after the boxing competitions.
The biggest grassroots boxing competition has a total prize money of ₦2 million has been earmarked for winners with educational support for outstanding athletes, reinforcing the council’s passion for developing indigenous sports talents in Orile-Agege.
The boxing competition will climax on Friday with the closing ceremony featuring an exhibition bout between Honourable Akinola and His Royal Majesty, Oba Akeem AMBALIU AGBEDEYI, the ALAIGBE of Orile Agege Kingdom.