IBB backs boxing in Niger

Former military President, General Ibrahim Babaginda (rtd) has expressed his support for the development boxing in Niger State because talents discovered at his maiden IBB Inter Local Government Boxing Competition stand the chance of being gainfully employed.
Speaking during the competition held in Minna, the former military leader said grassroots boxing tournaments will always help to discover boxers at their right ages and urged the participants not to relent in their efforts in hitting stardom by using the competition as a spring board.
Babangida was represented at the event by the former Zonal Manager of Unity Bank in Minna, Alhaji MD Ibrahim.
He further noted that the tournament was a stepping stone for the success story of the budding boxers and commended the state association for staging the event for the LGAs in Niger.
In his remark, the Chairman of Niger State Boxing Association who also doubles as the National President of Boxing Referees/Judges of Nigeria, Mr Teejay Adams, he thanked IBB the sponsorship despite neglect by government.
Teejay urged the youths in the state to embrace sporting activities especially boxing and appealed to government at all levels, corporate bodies and well-to-do individuals to emulate the support from the former President and bankroll boxing competitions in Niger.
The two-day boxing tournament saw Chanchaga Local Government emerge as the overall winner, while Bida and Suleja finished second and third respectively.
The competition was in different weight categories of 49kg, 56kg, 60kg, 69kg and 81kg as well as 35kg.