Sports Minister, Senator John Enoh, lauds organisers for the maiden award night of YUCATECO Boxing League.
The YUCATECO Boxing League, in collaboration with the Ministry of Sports Development, recently marked a significant milestone in Nigerian boxing history with the inaugural ‘Celebrating Our Boxing Heroes’ award ceremony.
Held at the prestigious JEVINIK Hotel in Lagos, the event brought together a distinguished gathering comprising top government officials, retired and current boxers, coaches, sports administrators, boxing enthusiasts, media personalities, as well as family and friends of the awardees.
During the ceremony, Senator John Enoh, the Special Guest of Honour and Minister of Sports Development, commended Omonlei Yakubu Imadu, the CEO of YUCATECO Boxing League, for his visionary leadership in elevating grassroots boxing and instituting an award that honors the sacrifices made by boxers for the nation.
The Minister emphasized the importance of recognizing and appreciating athletes for their contributions to Nigeria’s success in international competitions. He also hinted at the Ministry’s plans to establish an annual award ceremony for all sports disciplines.
Expressing his commitment to athlete welfare, the Minister proposed the idea of providing monthly salaries to both active and retired athletes, aligning with global standards observed in developed countries.
He underscored the vital role athletes play in the sports sector and pledged ongoing support and initiatives to enhance their well-being.
Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, Chairman of the award ceremony and Majority Leader of the House of Representatives, lauded Omonlei Imadu for his dedication to developing young boxing talents through the YUCATECO Boxing League.
He highlighted the importance of recognizing sports legends and expressed dismay at the lack of recognition for deserving athletes compared to individuals with questionable character receiving national honors.
Omonlei Yakubu Imadu, in his remarks, shared the inspiration behind the award, aimed at honoring boxing legends, coaches, umpires, and other contributors to Nigerian boxing’s growth.
He recounted the success of the maiden YUCATECO Boxing League, which featured over 200 boxers from 8 clubs and announced plans to expand the league to 24 clubs for the next season.
The award ceremony honored distinguished figures such as Lt. Gen. Kenneth Minimah (Rtd), late Hogan Bassy, Isaac Ikhouria, Sabo Mohammed, Anthony Konyegwachie, Lawal Lukmon Olaiwola, Edith Agu Ogoke, Joseph Mensah, Ajani Aremu, Abdullahi Masha, Samson Aransiola, and Adesanya Olusegun Ayodele.
The evening’s highlight was the presentation of a brand-new car to Abdulramon Abdulwahab, recognized as the Most Valuable Boxer of Season 1 of the YUCATECO Boxing League.
