By Martin Odiete, Abuja
Interim President of the Nigeria Boxing Federation (NBF), Azania Omo-Agege, has commended the National Sports Commission, (NSC) led by the Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko and the Director General,, Bukola Olapade, for their pivotal role in resolving the lingering crisis in the federation.
Omo-Agege, who spoke in Abuja, described both Dikko and Olapade as “great men” whose objectivity and leadership have brought stability to Nigerian boxing at a crucial moment.
“Shehi Dikko and Bukola Olapade are great men. They are men the NSC really needs at this time. They have done so much to stabilize the system, and it means a lot for all federations, not just boxing,” Omo-Agege said.
He revealed that the DG had personally intervened in the dispute that had threatened the federation’s reputation, even engaging with World Boxing to ensure Nigeria was absolved of blame over certain financial concerns. According to him, Olapade’s intervention has led to World Boxing agreeing to refund funds previously in contention.
Omo-Agege also used the opportunity to retract earlier criticisms of Olapade over the controversial Liverpool trip. According to him, after receiving detailed explanations from the NSC boss, it became clear that Olapade bore no responsibility for the situation. “I did not have the true picture when I was talking about the matter, but now I know it was not his fault at all,” Omo-Agege admitted, while praising the DG’s commitment to Nigerian boxing.
The Interim President further noted that with Olapade’s leadership and the new crop of intellectuals coming into the NBF board, the sport is set for a revival. “With the kind of people I see coming on the board, I think boxing will be one of the best federations in this next tenure. Boxing will definitely be great again,” he stated.
In a reconciliatory gesture, Omo-Agege also tendered an apology to former NBF President, Lt. General Kenneth Minimah (rtd.), acknowledging his immense contributions to the development of the sport.
“I want to thank General Minimah whose tenure had since expired based on our Constitution for what he did for me and for Nigerian boxing. He made it possible for me to go international, and that’s something I’ll never forget. He also built the boxing hostels to completion, giving our athletes a place to stay and train. I sincerely apologize if I said anything that caused him displeasure. It was never intentional. He remains a great leader of our sport,” I wish him well Omo-Agege said.
The Interim President urged stakeholders to put past differences aside and work together in unity for the progress of Nigerian boxing.
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