Ojo Hosts 148th Ibile Divisional Boxing Championship as Young Talents Battle for Glory

OJO, LAGOS — Ojo Local Government came alive on Saturday as it hosted the 148th Edition of the Ibile Divisional Boxing Championship (Badagry Division), bringing together promising young boxing talents from across the division for an exciting showcase of skill, strength, discipline and sportsmanship.

The championship, organised by the Lagos Boxing Hall of Fame (LBHF) in collaboration with the Lagos State Amateur Boxing Association (LSABA), was held at the Ojo Local Government Secretariat.

The competition featured athletes representing Ojo Local Government, Ifelodun LCDA, Iba LCDA, Olorunda LCDA, Otto-Awori LCDA, Badagry Local Government, Badagry West LCDA, Ajeromi LCDA, Amuwo-Odofin LCDA and Apapa-Iganmu LCDA, alongside participants from selected schools and sports foundations.

The Executive Chairman of Ojo Local Government, Hon. (Princess) Muhibat Titilola Rufai, attended the championship alongside distinguished guests and sports administrators. Her presence provided encouragement to the young athletes as they competed for honours.

Exciting Contests Across Weight Categories

The championship featured 10 bouts across different weight categories, including male, female and exhibition contests. The athletes delivered impressive performances, demonstrating determination, technical ability and respect for the rules of the sport.

Among the winners were:

Abijuwon Farouk — Ifelodun LCDA, Male 50kg

Kareem Yusuf — Iba LCDA, Male 55kg

Fasasi Faezol — Iba LCDA, Male 65kg

Kareem Shukurat — Ojo Local Government, Female 55kg

Alabi Olamilekan — Ojo Local Government, Male 70kg

Lasisi Nurat — Otto-Awori LCDA, Female 51kg

Koku Johnson — Badagry West LCDA, Male 75kg

Adekunle Habeeb — Iba LCDA, Male 85kg

The exhibition bouts also attracted attention, with Yakub Mariam of Goal Setter Foundation and Aremu Amirat of Samog Primary School competing in the female exhibition contest, while Adebayo Quadri of Apapa Senior High School faced Saheed Damilare of Sabo Oniba Primary School, Ojo LCDA, in the male exhibition contest.

Both exhibition contests earned recognition for the participants’ impressive performances.

Ojo Boxer Emerges Best Boxer

One of the major highlights of the championship was the emergence of Alabi Olamilekan, representing Ojo Local Government, as the Best Boxer of the Championship.

His outstanding performance throughout the tournament earned him special recognition and further underscored the wealth of emerging sporting talent within the local government.

Medals and Certificates Presented

The event concluded with the presentation of medals and certificates to outstanding athletes by distinguished sports administrators and invited dignitaries.

Among those who presented awards were the Deputy Director of the Lagos State Sports Commission and Head of Sports, Mr. Daramola Nelson; Chairman of Lagos State Boxing Coaches, Mr. Adekunle Fasesun; Board Member of the Nigeria Boxing Federation, Mrs. Iyabo; and Director of Sports, Lagos State, Mr. Olumide Lulahun.

Strengthening Grassroots Sports Development

The successful hosting of the 148th Ibile Divisional Boxing Championship further demonstrates Ojo Local Government’s commitment to grassroots sports development and youth empowerment.

Beyond providing a competitive platform, the championship offered young athletes an opportunity to gain valuable experience, demonstrate their abilities and attract attention from the wider sporting community.

With events such as this, Ojo continues to provide avenues for young people to discover and develop their talents while promoting discipline, healthy competition and sportsmanship.

Public Affairs/Complaint Unit
Ojo Local Government