NURTW’s National President Boxing championship debuts

President NURTW, Alhaji Najeem Usman Yasin with former UBC super middleweight champion, Mojeed Okedara, during a visit to Yasin, in his Abuja office.

ARRANGEMENTS are in top gear to organise the first National Union Of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) National Boxing Championship in honour of the president of the union, Alhaji Najeem Usman Yasin.

Former national and Universal Boxing Council (UBC) super middleweight champion, Mojeed Okedara told Tribunesport by phone after presenting the distinguished boxing award to Yasin in his office in Abuja.

He said that the idea was to encourage boxing among youths, especially transport workers and rid motor parks of urchins who always constitute nuisance to tarnish the good image of the union.

Okedara noted that the competition would help in discovering new talents in boxing.

“All we need to do is to ensure that they channel their energy and skills to boxing rather than fighting all the time in the streets. This would give NURTW a better image as many would see them from different perspectives and we hope to ensure that we give this championship all the necessary support it requires,” the United States-based Okedara said.

Meanwhile, Yasin, in his remarks, having expressed appreciation to the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi for the award, said he was ready to support boxing in the country, saying it is an avenue to rid motor parks of urchins if well utilised.

Yasin stated that he would start to support boxing by providing funds to organise bouts regularly for many youths to help them improve after training.

“My observation over times is that most of our boys love boxing but there is no encouragement and regular competitions for them to showcase their skills and probably pick a career out of the sport and that is why I am going to support you in reviving this game,” Yasin said.