BPAN Announces Scholarship For Late Nigerian Boxer’s First Child
By Akeem Busari
The Boxing Promoters Association of Nigeria has pay a condolence visit to the family of former West African and national light-heavyweight champion, Segun ‘Success’ Olanrewaju, whose shocking death still troubled boxing stakeholders and sports enthusiasts.
BPAN executives led by its President, Hon. Omonlei Imadu were in Sango Otta, Ogun State to commiserate with the family and expressed deep sorrow over the tragic incident which occurred on Saturday, March 29.
Imadu and his team were recieved by the sisters to the late pugilists Folarin Olarenwaju, Rachel Olarenwaju, the wife Olarewaju Adebusola Maria and other senior members of the Olanrewaju’s family.
Olanrewaju collapsed during a bout, an eight-round international light-heavyweight contest, sanctioned by the Ghana Boxing Authority, at the Bukom Arena in Accra.
It was alleged that the boxer was pressured to take the bout because of certain financial commitments, even when he was not medically certified and cleared to face the Ghanaian boxer, Jon Mbanugu.
BPAN empathized with the family over their lost, pledging support to ensure that the late boxer’s death is throughly investigated and culprits face the music if found guilty, as a way to deter unscrupulous persons and organizations from treating boxers as noting, for their own gains.
While seeking justice and compensation for the deceased family, for the irreplaceable loss of the 40-year-old boxer, BPAN as a matter of great concern calls on Nigerians, government and organizations to support the family at this difficult time.
BPAN President, Imadu with the approval of the executive board, announced educational scholarship for the late boxer’s first child Olanrewaju Irenitemi to the secondary school level.
Imadu, who is the Chief Executive Officer, Yucateco Boxing Promotions, on behalf of the outfit further donated half a million (500,000) naira to the family.
Imadu said the gesture to show support to the late boxer’s family was born from a place of grief and solidarity with them in this difficult time.
The BPAN boss also called on other well-meaning Nigerians beyond the boxing fraternity to come to the aid of the late Olanrenwaju’s family.
” This is a very sad incident that must not be allowed to happen again to any Nigerian boxer, as members of BPAN we have resolved to stand behind the late boxer’s family hence our visit to his home here in Sango-Otta.
” My personal donation to the family is also a way of taking the lead as I urged other well-meaning Nigerians to follow suit “.
Olanrewaju’s death further exposed zero structure and regulations that support and guaranteed athletes safety, Imadu advocates for serious measures to be taken before boxers step into the ring.
He noted that BPAN recently signed Memorandum of Understanding with Lagos based New Ikeja Hospital to provide free and adequate healthcare, medical support and insurance for Nigerian boxers.
Other BPAN executives present at the visit to the late Olanrenwaju’s home includes Saleh Fawaz, the body’s International Vice, President, Patrick Ekujumi, Chairman BPAN-Care, and Yusuf Olowolekomoh, Sec.General.
Also on the lists are Ezekiel Oshinmi BPAN’s regional president, and Onyeka Elum, ex-officio member.
