Brai Ayonote gym undergoes renovation
The De-Lads boxing promotion company and other stakeholders have commenced renovation works at the iconic Brai Ayonote boxing gym at the National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos, The NewsNGR reports.
According to Nigeria Boxing Federation Secretary-General Olalekan Faseesin, the initiative was spearheaded by De-Lads CEO Alhaji Wasiu Alabi, who approached the federation with an offer to repair the gym’s damaged roof.
“One of the boxing promoters, De-Lads CEO Wasiu Alabi, came to me and told me he wants to fix the roof of the gym pending when government is going to do a general renovation. What I did was I made the information known to board members and they lauded that initiative,” Faseesin told NewsNGR.
The dilapidated facility, which has gaping holes in its roof, has been a source of concern for boxing stakeholders who view the Brai Ayonote complex as a significant monument in Nigerian boxing history.
Following initial discussions, the NBF secretary-general said he publicised the renovation plans on social media platforms, which triggered additional support from various boxing stakeholders.
“I posted it on social media platforms and then one of the coaches on the board said we shouldn’t only congratulate, we should also contribute and that is when others contributed towards the renovation and up until last week, we have been able to generate a total of N150,000,” Faseesin explained.
Despite the modest sum collected so far, Faseesin expressed satisfaction with the widespread support, noting that many contributors were motivated by personal connections to the historic facility.
“It’s not so much money but people want to help because they see that place as a monument, they see it like a legacy. Because a number of them have passed through that same gym. A number of them have boxed there, they have done training there. So this is like an opportunity to give back to the facility that made them whatever they have today,” he said.
The renovation project has attracted contributions from various segments of the boxing community, including boxers, coaches and referees, all of whom have been acknowledged for their passionate financial support towards the development initiative.
Meanwhile, Faseesin also revealed that the federation is preparing to organise a national open championship in April, further demonstrating their commitment to revitalising boxing activities in the country.
The Brai Ayonote boxing gym, where many of Nigeria’s most accomplished boxers have trained before representing the country in international competitions, has recently shown signs of improved maintenance since the Nigeria Boxing Board of Control established an office within the facility.
