BPAN donates N500k, announces scholarship for late Olanrewaju child

The Boxing Promoters Association of Nigeria has donated N500,000 to the family of late former West African and national light-heavyweight champion, Segun ‘Success’ Olanrewaju, while also announcing educational scholarship for the deceased boxer’s first child, Olanrewaju Irenitemi, to the secondary school level.

BPAN executives led by the President, Hon. Omonlei Imadu, paid a condolence visit to the late boxer’s family in Sango Otta, Ogun State to commiserate with them and express deep sorrow over the tragic incident which occurred on Saturday, March 29.

Imadu and his team were received by the sisters to the late pugilist, Folarin Olanrewaju, Rachel Olanrewaju, the wife Adebusola Olanrewaju and other senior members of the Olanrewaju 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,” Imadu said.

“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 collapsed during an eight-round international light-heavyweight contest, sanctioned by the Ghana Boxing Authority, at the Bukom Arena in Accra against Ghanaian boxer Jon Mbanugu.

It was alleged that the 40-year-old boxer was pressured to take the bout because of certain financial commitments, even when he was not medically certified and cleared to face his opponent.

BPAN sympathised with the family over their loss, pledging support to ensure that the late boxer’s death is thoroughly investigated and culprits face the music if found guilty, as a way to deter unscrupulous persons and organisations from treating boxers as nothing, for their own gains.

While seeking justice and compensation for the deceased family, for the irreplaceable loss, BPAN as a matter of great concern called on Nigerians, government and organisations to support the family at this difficult time.

Imadu, who is the Chief Executive Officer of Yucateco Boxing Promotions, made the donation on behalf of his outfit.

He said the gesture to show support to the late boxer’s family was borne out of grief and solidarity with them in this difficult time.

Olanrewaju’s death further exposed zero structure and regulations that support and guarantee athletes’ safety, with Imadu advocating for serious measures to be taken before boxers step into the ring.

He noted that BPAN recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Lagos-based New Ikeja Hospital to provide free and adequate healthcare, medical support and insurance for Nigerian boxers.