…..Says government will continue investing in sports and talent discovery
…Seeks to raise future Anthony Joshuas from the grassroots.
Emmanuel Ikpeama
Ejigbo Local Council Development Area (LCDA) witnessed a historic sporting milestone on Thursday as its Executive Chairman, Aare Taoheed Adebayo Taiwo (Aare TAT), launched the maiden edition of the “Glove Up Ejigbo” Boxing Championship, a grassroots sports initiative aimed at discovering talents, empowering youths and promoting community development.
The historic sporting event, held on June 18, 2026, at the Ejigbo LCDA Secretariat, attracted sports stakeholders, community leaders, boxing enthusiasts, residents and scores of young athletes eager to showcase their talents in the ring.
Declaring the championship open, Aare TAT said the competition was not merely about boxing but about creating opportunities for young people, building discipline, fostering inclusion and empowering youths to achieve their full potential.
According to him, boxing remains one of the most effective platforms for building resilience, courage, focus and determination among young people.
“Today is not just about boxing. It is about discipline, empowerment and opportunity. It is about redirecting youthful energy into productive engagement that builds character, creates pathways for success and strengthens our community,” he said.
The chairman noted that boxing mirrors the realities of life, where discipline, sacrifice, hard work and perseverance often determine success.
“In the ring, talent alone is not enough. It is discipline that separates champions from contenders. The same principle applies in leadership, governance and nation-building,” he added.
Aare TAT reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to youth-centered governance, stressing that sports would continue to receive priority attention as a vehicle for social transformation and economic empowerment.
He challenged participating athletes to embrace sportsmanship, humility and discipline, reminding them that every great champion started from humble beginnings.
“You are not just boxers. You are future leaders, role models and ambassadors of Ejigbo LCDA. Win with humility, lose with dignity and continue to believe in your dreams,” he advised.
The chairman further revealed that the initiative aligns with broader efforts to create opportunities for young people and ensure that no youth is left behind in the pursuit of excellence.
Speaking with journalists after the event, Aare TAT emphasized that the championship forms part of his administration’s vision to revive grassroots sports and discover world-class talents from Ejigbo.
“The likes of Anthony Joshua and Bash Ali started somewhere. We want our youths to know that government believes in them and is ready to support them. This is about catching them young, nurturing their talents and helping them achieve their full potential,” he stated.
He disclosed that the council has continued to support football, table tennis, weightlifting and other sporting activities as part of efforts to return sports development to the grassroots.
“This is only the beginning. We want Ejigbo to become a breeding ground for champions. We want to produce athletes who will represent Lagos, Nigeria and even compete on the world stage,” he said.
The competition produced thrilling contests across various weight categories.
In the 31.2kg category, Bashiru Abiodun of Power Boxing Club defeated Muyis Ogunshola of Maja Boxing Club. Mubarak Fatai of Shina Boxing Club emerged victorious against Ogunshola Taofeek of Maja Boxing Club in the 34.5kg category.
Ekundayo Ademuji of Joe West Boxing Club defeated Segun Olufemi of Maja Boxing Club in the 50kg division, while Usman Olatunji of Maja Boxing Club secured victory over Babatunde Anuoluwapo of Confidence Boxing Club in the 54kg category.
Lateef Ibrahim of Joe West Boxing Club also defeated Ismail Jamiu of Maja Boxing Club in the 67.1kg division.
The highlight of the championship was the fiercely contested 46.3kg title bout between Ogunshola Sodiq of Maja Boxing Club and Waris Bamidele of Confidence Boxing Club.
At the end of the encounter, Ogunshola Sodiq emerged champion, claiming the coveted title belt and a cash prize of N250,000, while the runner-up received N100,000.
Other winners smiled home with N50,000 each alongside certificates in recognition of their outstanding performances.
The event also featured exhibition bouts between Faix Mujeeb and Aliu Jamal, as well as Afuye Muhammad and Olaonipekun Fawas, adding excitement to an already memorable occasion.
Former National Record Holder in the 400 metres hurdles, Henry Amike, who attended the event, commended the chairman for introducing a groundbreaking initiative capable of transforming the lives of young athletes.
“This is one of the best youth-focused sporting initiatives I have seen at the local government level. It shows leadership, vision and commitment to youth development,” he said.
Also speaking, the Supervisor for Youth and Sports, Hon. Rasaq Abdulsalam, described the championship as one of the flagship projects of his office and praised the chairman for providing the support needed to make it a reality.
He noted that sports remain a powerful tool for keeping young people away from crime, drug abuse and other social vices while promoting unity and healthy competition.
The Secretary of the Community Development Association (CDA), Barrister Mrs. Ambibola Olawale, hailed the championship as a first-of-its-kind initiative that would inspire youths to embrace their talents and pursue productive ventures.
Similarly, the Manager of Maja Boxing Club and one of the organisers, Mr. Popoola Adebayo, said the competition was designed to discover future boxing stars capable of replicating the achievements of global champions.
“Boxing is not a crime. It is one of the most exciting sports and a pathway to greatness. We want to discover and nurture future champions from our communities,” he said.
An emotional Ogunshola Sodiq, winner of the title bout, expressed gratitude to God, his coach and the Executive Chairman for creating a platform for young talents to shine.
The successful hosting of the maiden Glove Up Ejigbo Boxing Championship has been widely described as a major step towards reviving grassroots sports development, promoting youth empowerment and positioning Ejigbo LCDA as a hub for talent discovery and sporting excellence.
For many residents, the championship was more than a sporting event—it was a celebration of hope, opportunity and the limitless potential of Ejigbo’s young generation.
With the resounding success of the maiden edition, stakeholders believe Ejigbo may soon become a breeding ground for Nigeria’s next generation of boxing champions.
The historic boxing championship attracted a large turnout of government officials, party leaders, community stakeholders, youths and sports enthusiasts. Among those in attendance were the Vice Chairman of Ejigbo LCDA, Hon. Ambibola Nicholas Ike;the Secretary to the local government,Hon Yemisi Otuyemi,the Leader of the Legislative Council, Hon. Shobande Gabriel, alongside other councillors; the APC Chairman in Ejigbo LCDA, Hon. Ismail Omoniyi and members of the party executive committee.
Also present was the former APC party chairman Hon Fatai Kasunmu,the Community Development Association (CDA) executives led by Barrister Abimbola Olawale,Hon Remi Gbadegeshin,party stakeholders, artisans, youth groups and community leaders.
The management team of the council was led by the Council Manager, Pastor Ajanguna Olumide Olusegun, while supervisory councillors and other senior council officials were also on hand to witness the maiden edition of the championship, which many described as a landmark initiative in grassroots sports development and youth empowerment.
Highlight of the event was the presentation of medals and certificate to the winners
