**Say games aim to transform negative perception of Transport Sector

As the maiden National Transporters’ Games billed for December 2024 draws closer, the unveiling of the Mascot for the games which took place at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium on Thursday evening highlighted the event’s goal of fostering national unity among stakeholders in Nigeria’s transport sector.
Scheduled to be hosted in Ogun State, the games are designed to encourage collaboration and camaraderie among participants.

The unveiling ceremony, attended by key officials and industry representatives, showcased a mascot symbolizing strength and teamwork.
Senator Prince Gbolahan Dada, a prominent advocate for the event, emphasized that the competition, themed ‘Unity in Motion, Strength in Diversity,’ aims not only to promote national cohesion but also to enhance the economic viability of the transport system.

He emphasized the crucial role of transporters in Nigeria’s economy highlighting the need to challenge negative perceptions associated with transport workers.

Dada stressed that transporters are essential contributors to economic stability, pointing out that a one-day strike by transport unions could lead to widespread disruption.
He called for a repositioning of transporters as vital partners in driving economic growth.
He said the games marked a significant collaboration between the private sector and government, noting the importance of using sports as a unifying force within communities.
He recalled the legacy of Rashidi Yekini, a former transporter and national football hero, to illustrate the untapped potential within the sector.

With Nigeria’s vast population, the senator urged for a focus on nurturing local talents and creating opportunities for business growth through improved partnerships in sports and transportation.
He reiterated the importance of enhancing transport networks and ensuring the well-being of drivers, advocating for safe resting places and greater collaboration with law enforcement.

Senator Dada’s address is a call to action to honor and support transporters, reinforcing their pivotal role in Nigeria’s economic landscape.
National Coordinator of the National Transporters games, Wale Shodeinde outlined the event’s structure, revealing that athletes from eight transport organizations will compete in six sports: football, draughts, athletics, table tennis, swimming, and Ayo.
Shodeinde explained that the decision to unveil the mascot in the northern part of the country, while holding competitions in the south, underscored the event’s commitment to national unity. He assured attendees that the next edition will be hosted in the north.
He said the games are targeted at reshaping the narrative around transport workers in Nigeria. “This groundbreaking event, set for December, is poised to be the first of its kind in Nigeria and potentially in Africa.
Shodeinde expressed gratitude for the federal government’s support in organizing the event, which wl bring together 12 national transport unions across the country.
He highlighted the importance of fostering unity among transport workers, emphasizing that sports can serve as a powerful unifying force.
“The games will feature various competitions and will be hosted in different regions”
Shodeinde affirmed that the initiative is not just about sports but also about enhancing the image of transporters, who have often faced negative perceptions.
He acknowledged the contributions of various stakeholders, including the National Association of Road Transport Owners and the National Union of Road Transport Workers, in making this event a reality.
The event aimed to promote national cohesion and celebrate the contributions of transport workers to the economy.
The unveiling of the mascot marks a significant step towards the upcoming games, which are expected to showcase the talent and dedication of transport workers while promoting unity across the sector.

Shodeinde concluded by urging the media to help convey the importance of the National Transporters Games, asserting that this initiative is here to stay and will play a vital role in transforming the narrative surrounding the transport sector in Nigeria.

Also in attendance, Honourable Solomon Bamola, Chairman of Miss Football Nigeria, highlighted the significant economic implications of the games, noting the opportunity to reshape public perceptions of transport workers.

The National Transporters’ Games are set to serve as a pivotal platform for enhancing unity and collaboration within Nigeria’s transport sector, promising a bright future for its participants and the industry at large.

Nigeria’s rising boxing star, Raheem Animashaun, famously known as Baddo, was crowned the new West African Boxing Union (WABU) Light Welterweight champion on Sunday night.

In a exhilarating contest held at the Gymnasium Hall of the National Institute for Sports (NIS) in Lagos, Baddo delivered a sixth-round technical knockout against Ghana’s Richman Ashellley, who opted not to continue into the seventh round. The fight, promoted by De-Lads Boxing Promotion, drew hundreds of enthusiastic boxing fans.

Following his victory, Baddo reflected on his performance, acknowledging that while he didn’t meet his pre-fight promise of a fifth-round knockout, his strategy of weakening Ashellley over the rounds paid off.

“My initial plan was to finish him before the fifth round, but he managed to avoid my knockout punches,” Baddo said. “So, I shifted my focus to breaking him down by targeting his ribs and other body parts, which worked well as he didn’t come out for the seventh round.”

Baddo hailed the victory as a stepping stone in his career, promising more success ahead. He also expressed gratitude to Alhaji Waheed Wasiu Alabi, President of De-Lads Boxing Promotion, for his investment in boxing and for offering hope to talented young fighters.

“This title is just the beginning. I believe I have the skills to follow in the footsteps of legends like Rocky Marciano, Azumah Nelson, Manny Pacquiao, Sugar Ray Leonard, Mike Tyson, and Anthony Joshua, and to one day become the undisputed world champion,” he added.

Alhaji Waheed Wasiu Alabi, the promoter of the fight, was pleased with the success of the event, the 9th edition of De-Lads Boxing Promotion. He promised that the 10th edition would be even more spectacular, adding that his organization is dedicated to developing both amateur and professional boxing in Nigeria, paving the way for more Nigerian fighters to compete on continental and global stages.

The night also featured other exciting bouts. Akeem Olayiwola won a unanimous points decision over Williams Amosu in a National Light Welterweight Challenge. Segun Tunde Adeyemi secured a seventh-round technical knockout victory against Semiu Olapade in another National Light Welterweight contest. In a National Super Bantamweight bout, Ezekiel Seun claimed a 2-1 split decision over Agboola Durotimi.

In the National Super Featherweight fight, Akanji Moruf defeated Ojo Arabambi by unanimous decision. Meanwhile, the National Light Welterweight fight between Emmanuel Abimbola and Isaac Chukwudi ended in a draw, as did the contest between Adeshina Oluwatosin and Sulaimon Hammed. Taiwo Olowu delivered the fastest victory of the night, knocking out Yakubu Faruq in the first round of their National Light Welterweight contest.

A highlight of the night was the presentation of a N500,000 cheque to Mistura Idowu, who won the Bet9ja Foundation trophy for the best amateur boxer, alongside other fantastic gifts from the official broadcaster, Startimes.

All the fights were sanctioned by the Nigerian Boxing Board of Control (NBB of C) and sponsored by Bet9ja Foundation and Startimes.

TRS Promotions has announced the 2024 edition of the ‘Ludo Competition For All’, billed to take place on Saturday, December 14th, 2024, at the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Surulere, Lagos State.
A statement by the media handlers which was released on Monday indicated that the competition is bringing together Ludo enthusiasts from across the country in to compete for their share of the ₦2,250,000 prize pool.
The statement explajned that the competition’s grand prize has been fixed at ₦1,000,000, with ₦750,000 for the second-place winner, and ₦500,000 for third place.
Explaining further it stated that the Preliminary rounds will take place from November 1st to 30th across various Local Governments in Lagos, and registration is already open with a fee of ₦1,000.
The statement encouraged Players and supporters to register early and follow updates via the social media handle @WINDRAUGHTGAME.
TRS Promotions also called on corporate organizations, private individuals, and the government to support the event through sponsorship, ensuring the competition’s success.

For more details, participants can visit windraughtgame.com or contact info@windraughtgame.com.