The Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, has unveiled his vision for Nigerian boxing following his election as President of the Nigeria Boxing Federation (NBF) on Saturday.
Edun, a respected economist and passionate boxing enthusiast, emphasized his commitment to developing the sport at the grassroots level and restoring Nigeria’s dominance on the African continent.
Read Also: Sports Federation Elections: New Boards, Same Old Story? It’s Time to Turn Nigerian Sports into a Real Industry — Not Another Government Department
Elected unopposed, Edun secured all twelve (12) available votes during the NBF elective congress held at the Package B Indoor Sports Hall of the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.
In his acceptance speech, the new president expressed gratitude to stakeholders for their confidence and pledged to introduce structural reforms that will drive growth, professionalism, and global recognition for Nigerian boxing.> “Our goal is to elevate boxing across all levels — from grassroots development to elite competition. We will work to ensure structural reforms that position Nigeria as a continental force in the sport,” Edun said.
While the presidential seat was uncontested, the Vice Presidential election produced a competitive contest. Hon. Omonlei Imadu (Yucateco), representing the South-West zone, defeated Mighty Mike from the North-Central zone by eight (8) votes to four (4) in a closely fought race.
Imadu, known for his dedication to grassroots boxing, described Edun’s emergence as “a new dawn for the sport.”
“The Honourable Minister’s passion for boxing and his proven record in supporting grassroots initiatives make his leadership timely. I look forward to working with him and the board to restore the glory days of Nigerian boxing,” he said.
Imadu also commended the National Sports Commission (NSC), chaired by Mallam Shehu Dikko with Hon. Bukola Olopade as Director-General, for conducting a transparent and credible election.
With Wale Edun now at the helm of the Nigerian Boxing Federation, stakeholders and fans alike are optimistic that the sport is on the verge of a new era of reform, development, and international success.
