Kehinde Obareh Urges Government to Focus on Female Boxing and Girl Child Education
Highly accomplished Nigerian female boxer, multi-medal champion, and sports advocate Kehinde Joy Obareh on Sunday called on federal, state, and local governments to prioritize the education of the girl child and women’s health in the country.
‘’The government, especially influential women in government and the private sector, can collaborate to uplift the girl child.
She also expressed her belief that her destiny is linked to boxing and pledged to support the growth of female boxing in Nigeria and around the world.
The inaugural Kehinde Obareh Female Boxing Show is a significant step toward developing boxing talent in Nigeria among home-grown female boxers.
Speaking at the event at the National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos, Obareh promised to help turn the dreams of 24 female boxers into reality.
She advised the young boxers to stay focused and resilient both in their boxing careers and in their education.
Widely recognized as one of Africa’s top fighters in the 60 kg weight class, Obareh was the first Nigerian female boxer to win gold at the All-Africa Games and at the African Female Boxing Championship in Cameroon. She was ranked 8th in the world at her peak. She highlighted qualities like strength, courage, faith, and commitment as essential for the next generation of female boxers in Nigeria.
The kickboxer also encouraged women to use their skills, energy, and resources to contribute to Nigeria’s peace and development.
Some performances by the boxers brought smiles to the officials’ faces.
Gafar Fathia, Adepoju Roqueebat, Adeniji Aliyah, Sodipe Damilola, Ismail Abibat, Sadiku Tomiwa, Obiora Ada, Akanni Anuoluwa, Agboola Oyindamola, Adeyinka Abigail, and Kareem Sukura all won gold medals.
Nurat Lasisi, Aishat Adeshina, Ramot Solanke, Precilia Ejeh, Fathia Kazeem, Hikmot Jinadu, Oluwanifemi Oluwafemi, Taiwo Oyeleye, Taofikat Adepoju, Adenike Adebisi, and Opeyemi Olalekan secured silver medals.
Princess Adegboyega and Zainab Ibrahim received exhibition prizes.
