Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, has been elected as the new president of the Nigerian Boxing Federation (NBF), taking over leadership of the sport’s governing body with a promise to revive boxing across the country.
Edun, who is known for his deep interest in grassroots sports development, ran unopposed and secured all twelve votes at the federation’s election held on Saturday inside the Package B Indoor Sports Hall of the MKO Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.
After his victory, the minister expressed gratitude to delegates and pledged to reposition the sport through sweeping reforms. He said his administration would focus on improving the structure of Nigerian boxing, discovering young talents, and creating better opportunities for athletes to compete internationally.
“The goal is to rebuild Nigerian boxing from the grassroots to the global stage,” Edun said. “We are committed to ensuring that every young boxer in the country has the opportunity to reach their full potential.”
The contest for the vice presidency, however, was far more competitive. Hon. Omonlei Imadu, representing the Southwest, edged out his North Central counterpart, Mighty Mike, by eight votes to four in what many described as a keenly contested race.
Imadu, who has earned praise for his consistent grassroots programmes, described Edun’s emergence as a turning point for the sport.
“I make bold to say it’s a new dawn for boxing in the country. The Honourable Minister is very passionate about the sport, and this he has shown over the years with a plethora of grassroots initiatives across the nation,” Imadu said. “I and the other board members will work closely with the Hon. Minister Wale Edun to achieve his vision for Nigerian boxing.”
He also commended the National Sports Commission, led by Chairman Shehu Dikko and Director General Hon. Bukola Olopade, for conducting what he called a credible and transparent election. According to him, the commission’s transparency and fairness reinforced confidence in the process.
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