Abeokuta was agog on Friday night as the maiden edition of the RIYE U17 Boxing Circuit came to a memorable close at the Alake Sports Centre, Ijeja, with a major highlight being the announcement of a scholarship up to university level for one of the young participants, Odesanya Oyinkansola.
Despite falling short in her bout against Hassan Khadija of Yewa, the Rev. Kuti Memorial School student caught the attention of Barrister Habeeb White, an alumnus of the school, who was impressed by her performance and announced a scholarship that will cover her education through to university level.
The gesture added an inspiring dimension to the competition, reinforcing the importance of using sports as a vehicle for youth empowerment, educational advancement and talent discovery.
The maiden RIYE U17 Boxing Circuit, organised by the Senior Special Assistant to the Ogun State Governor on Youth Development, Hon. Tunde Delu, brought together 24 young boxers from Ogun State’s four sporting zones of Remo, Ijebu, Yewa and Egba for 12 exciting bouts.
The competition provided an opportunity for emerging boxing talents to showcase their abilities, determination and competitive spirit before an enthusiastic crowd of boxing enthusiasts, dignitaries and sports stakeholders.
In the opening bout, Oluwasegun Emmanuel of Remo defeated Adedokun Basit of Yewa 5-0, while Anifowose Khalid of Egba secured victory over Ajadi Sulaimon of Ijebu through a Referee Stopped Contest (RSC).
Sorinola Rejoice of Remo edged Azeez Hazimat of Ijebu 3-2, while Alabi Jamiu of Egba also defeated Oladele Waris of Ijebu by the same margin.
Atanda Ayomide of Remo overcame Taiwo Oyakojo of Yewa 3-2, while Hassan Khadija of Yewa recorded a victory over Odesanya Oyinkasola of Remo.
Oyakojo Quyum of Yewa defeated Ogunyale Opeyemi of Ijebu 5-0, just as Adeniran Quyum, also representing Yewa, secured a 5-0 victory over Olaonipekun Sofiu of Ijebu.
In the female category, Alayande Roheebat of Remo defeated Olaoye Esther of Egba 5-0, while Abdulsalami Fatitu of Remo overcame Amoo Oladimeji of Egba 4-1.
Shoyombo Anuoluwapo of Egba also produced a dominant performance, defeating Akinyemi Tolani of Yewa 5-0, while Amoo Alhameen of Ijebu rounded off the 12-bout programme with a 5-0 victory over Talabi Samuel of Egba.
All the winners got a cash reward of one hundred thousand naira each, while others got fifty thousand naira each.
Speaking after her victory, Shoyombo Anuoluwapo applauded the organisers for creating the opportunity for young boxers to compete and demonstrate their abilities, particularly appreciating Hon. Tunde Delu for putting smiles on the faces of the participants.
She said “I am very happy to be part of this competition and grateful for the opportunity to showcase my talent. I appreciate Hon. Tunde Delu for putting this event together and giving young boxers like us a platform to compete. This initiative has put smiles on our faces, and I hope it continues because it will encourage more young people to take sports seriously.”
In his remarks, the organiser, Hon. Tunde Delu, expressed appreciation to the dignitaries, boxing officials, coaches, participating athletes and spectators who contributed to the success of the maiden edition.
He particularly commended those who stayed through the programme despite the initial rain, describing their support and commitment as a major encouragement to the organisers.
“I sincerely appreciate all our distinguished guests, officials, coaches, the boxers and everyone who came out to support this initiative. Your presence means a lot to us. I am particularly grateful to those who stayed with us despite the rain to ensure that the event was successfully concluded.
“This is only the beginning. We have seen the enthusiasm, the talents and the excitement generated by this competition, and I assure you that subsequent editions will be bigger, better and more impactful. Our goal is to continue creating opportunities for young people to discover and develop their sporting talents,” Hon. Delu said. He assured that more is in the pipeline courtesy RIYE Sports Circuit under the Young Athletes Yield Initiative (YAYI) scheme.
The event attracted an array of dignitaries, including the Osi of Egbaland, Chief Bode Mustapha, Commissioner for Forestry Hon Taiwo Oludotun, Hon Laja Majekodunmi, member of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Hon. Igbalaye Wasiu Ayoola, Senior Legislative Aide to the President of the Senate, Hon. Femi Allen Taylor, former Ogun State House of Assembly member, Hon. Idowu Olowofuja, and Special Assistant on Strategy to the Director-General of the National Sports Commission, Hon. Abiola Odetola.
Also in attendance were former Chairman of Abeokuta South Local Government, Chief Laja Majekodunmi, Hon. Emmanuel Olumuyiwa Babayemi, General Manager of Stormers Sports Club, Mr Lekan Kelani, Hon. Juwon Sanyaolu, Odewole Monsuru Oladimeji a.k.a Tambo Cuba (CEO Phase4sportkits), alongside other notable personalities from different walks of life.
