The coordinating head of Progressive Professional Boxers Association of Nigeria (PPBA), Afinni Idris Abiodun has disclosed that the group is for unity and protection of its members, while also fostering an avenue through which they can grow together.
Sports247 reports that Abiodun also emphasised that the association will serve as a collective voice for boxers, while ensuring that their rights are respected and their contributions to the sport are duly recognised.
Abiodun made these clarifications while revealing that the association will be officially inaugurated this Saturday at Police College, Ikeja, Lagos; which he believes would be a significant milestone for professional boxing in the country.
He added that the event will draw a wide range of stakeholders, including active and retired professional boxers, trainers, promoters, sports administrators and officials of Nigerian Boxing Board of Control (NBB of C).
“The inauguration aims to establish the association formally as a unified body dedicated to advancing the welfare and professional standards of Nigerian boxers,” Abiodun said, while reeling out a long list of incoming committee members.
Officials who will be inaugurated into various positions include Abiodun as coordinating head; with Obinna Mathew and Kabiru Towolawi becoming assistant coordinators; while secretary of the association is Sikiru Sogbesan.
Samuel Opaogun and Bolatito Oluwole are treasurers, while the public relations officers are Victor Chikalele, Celina Agwu and Chinedu Okeke; with Farouk Abubakri, Obaro Eradajaye and Blessing Chukwuede as organising secretaries.
Tunde Olojede and Ridwan Oyekola will function as financial secretaries, while Tony Salam, Oladimeji Akinde and Believe Oghuvwu will make up the dispute resolution/disciplinary teams.
The coordinator also disclosed that one of the core objectives of Progressive Professional Boxers Association is to educate its members about their individual rights and responsibilities in the paid rabks of pugilism.
He added that the association plans to organise regular workshops and seminars focused on contract literacy, health matters, safety standards, financial management and legal awareness.
“This is a platform created by boxers, for boxers. It is about unity, protection and progress. The association is driven by the urgent need to protect the interests of professional boxers across Nigeria.
“For years, many athletes in the sport have faced challenges such as unfair contracts, inadequate medical care, lack of proper representation, and limited access to career development opportunities,” Abiodun concluded.
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