Abeokuta was filled with excitement on Friday night as the maiden edition of the RIYE U17 Boxing Circuit ended on a memorable note at the Alake Sports Centre, Ijeja, with a university scholarship for one of the young participants emerging as a major highlight.

Odesanya Oyinkansola, a student of Rev. Kuti Memorial School, was awarded a scholarship covering her education up to university level despite losing her bout against Hassan Khadija of Yewa.

Her performance caught the attention of Barrister Habeeb White, an alumnus of the school, who was impressed by her determination and display in the ring. Moved by what he witnessed, White announced the scholarship to support her educational journey.

The gesture added an inspiring dimension to the competition, highlighting the role of sports in youth empowerment, education and talent discovery.

Organised by the Senior Special Assistant to the Ogun State Governor on Youth Development, Hon. Tunde Delu, the maiden RIYE U17 Boxing Circuit featured 24 young boxers drawn from the state's four sporting zones of Remo, Ijebu, Yewa and Egba. The competition produced 12 exciting bouts, giving emerging talents an opportunity to demonstrate their skills, determination and competitive spirit.

The opening contest saw Oluwasegun Emmanuel of Remo defeat Adedokun Basit of Yewa by a 5-0 decision, while Anifowose Khalid of Egba overcame Ajadi Sulaimon of Ijebu through a Referee Stopped Contest (RSC).

Sorinola Rejoice of Remo edged Azeez Hazimat of Ijebu 3-2, while Alabi Jamiu of Egba recorded an identical 3-2 victory over Oladele Waris of Ijebu.

Atanda Ayomide of Remo also secured a 3-2 win against Taiwo Oyakojo of Yewa, while Hassan Khadija of Yewa defeated Odesanya Oyinkansola of Remo.

In another contest, Oyakojo Quyum of Yewa delivered a commanding performance to beat Ogunyale Opeyemi of Ijebu 5-0. Adeniran Quyum, also representing Yewa, recorded another 5-0 victory over Olaonipekun Sofiu of Ijebu.

In the female category, Alayande Roheebat of Remo defeated Olaoye Esther of Egba 5-0, while Abdulsalami Fatitu of Remo overcame Amoo Oladimeji of Egba 4-1.

Shoyombo Anuoluwapo of Egba continued the impressive performances with a 5-0 victory over Akinyemi Tolani of Yewa, while Amoo Alhameen of Ijebu rounded off the 12-bout programme by defeating Talabi Samuel of Egba by the same margin.

As part of the reward package, each winner received ₦100,000, while other participants went home with ₦50,000 each.

Speaking after her victory, Shoyombo Anuoluwapo expressed appreciation to the organisers for providing young boxers with a platform to showcase their talents and compete.

“I am very happy to be part of this competition and grateful for the opportunity to showcase my talent. I appreciate Hon. Tunde Delu for putting this event together and giving young boxers like us a platform to compete.

“This initiative has put smiles on our faces, and I hope it continues because it will encourage more young people to take sports seriously,” she said.

In his remarks, the organiser, Hon. Tunde Delu, thanked the dignitaries, boxing officials, coaches, athletes and spectators who contributed to the success of the inaugural event.

He particularly appreciated those who remained at the venue despite the initial rainfall, noting that their commitment and support encouraged the organisers to see the programme through.

“I sincerely appreciate all our distinguished guests, officials, coaches, the boxers and everyone who came out to support this initiative. Your presence means a lot to us. I am particularly grateful to those who stayed with us despite the rain to ensure that the event was successfully concluded.

“This is only the beginning. We have seen the enthusiasm, the talents and the excitement generated by this competition, and I assure you that subsequent editions will be bigger, better and more impactful. Our goal is to continue creating opportunities for young people to discover and develop their sporting talents,” Delu said.

He added that more initiatives were in the pipeline through the RIYE Sports Circuit under the Young Athletes Yield Initiative (YAYI) scheme.

The event attracted several dignitaries, including the Osi of Egbaland, Chief Bode Mustapha; Commissioner for Forestry, Hon. Taiwo Oludotun; Hon. Laja Majekodunmi, member of the Ogun State House of Assembly; Hon. Igbalaye Wasiu Ayoola, Senior Legislative Aide to the President of the Senate; Hon. Femi Allen Taylor, former member of the Ogun State House of Assembly; Hon. Idowu Olowofuja; and Hon. Abiola Odetola, Special Assistant on Strategy to the Director-General of the National Sports Commission.

Also present were former Chairman of Abeokuta South Local Government, Chief Laja Majekodunmi; Hon. Emmanuel Olumuyiwa Babayemi; General Manager of Stormers Sports Club, Mr Lekan Kelani; Hon. Juwon Sanyaolu; and Odewole Monsuru Oladimeji, popularly known as Tambo Cuba and CEO of Phase4sportkits, alongside other personalities from different sectors.

The successful conclusion of the maiden edition marks a significant step in the organisers' efforts to create opportunities for young athletes in Ogun State, with the scholarship awarded to Odesanya providing a powerful example of how sporting platforms can also open doors beyond competition.