Akeem Busari
The Boxing Promoters Association of Nigeria (BPAN) has unveiled a free healthcare package for Nigerian boxers under its welfare program “BPAN-Care”. The body in partnership with the New Ikeja Hospital has announced the first-of-its-kind healthcare initiative for pugilists.
The partnership was formalized in Lagos over the weekend with the signing of an MOU after BPAN executives led by the president, Hon. Omonlei Imadu, met officials of the New Ikeja Hospital at the medical facility.
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The NIH had partnered with BPAN, aligning its community and outreach project with the body, to provide quality healthcare for the athletes. The partnership represents a huge step taken by BPAN to ensure medical support for boxers.
According to the MOU under the BPAN-Cares initiative, the New Ikeja Hospital will offer one free annual health check-up for “one hundred (100) boxers, covering blood pressure, blood sugar, and hepatitis B, as well as HIV. The medical facility will also provide a 15 per cent discount on advance medical tests such as MRI, ECG, and kidney function tests. The New Ikeja Hospital will exhibit its products and conduct activations at BPAN’s organised events across the country.
The Business Development Manager, New Ikeja Hospital, Hamza Dantata, said the NIH’s commitment to the BPAN-Care initiative will enhance the body’s quest to revolutionise boxing in Nigeria, as athletes are now guaranteed adequate medical care before, during and after boxing fights.
In his words: “This partnership is very important to us as an organisation because it involves touching the lives of young people. The Boxing Promoters Association of Nigeria has demonstrated a high level of professionalism and integrity in its operations, and we believe that this collaboration will further enhance the development of boxing in Nigeria, especially in the area of healthcare.”
An elated President of the Boxing Promoters Association of Nigeria (BPAN), Omonlei Imadu, said the free and subsidised healthcare packages are one of the numerous welfare programmes under the “BPAN-Care” initiative.
“This is what “BPAN” is truly about: creating an all encompassing structure for the boxers. we would continue to prioritize the needs and interests of the athletes in our operations.”
“Our partnership with NIH further reaffirms our shared vision of providing adequate healthcare and medical support for Nigerian boxers.” said Imadu.
While assuring further collaborations and partnerships with relevant organisations to improve the safety of combat sports, especially boxing, the Yacateco boss says BPAN will create the much-needed structure, regulations and extensive platform that will benefit sportsmen and women.
Other BPAN executives present at the event include Saleh Fawaz, International Vice President; Patrick Ekujumi, Chairman of BPAN-Care; and Yusuf Olowolekomoh, Sec. General. Others are Ezekiel Oshinmi – regional president, and Onyeka Elum, ex officio.
The BPAN/NIH landmark partnership will impact the sport ecosystem as boxers will be encouraged to give their best and excel in the sport. The athlete-centric initiative enhances safety while preventing fatality in the ring.