Peace Initiative Network (PIN), in partnership with Empire Fighting Chance, has launched a peace-building collaboration between Abeokuta and Bristol, England, to address youth violence and drug abuse through boxing.
The Empire Fighting Chance is a UK-based Boxing-for-Development organisation.
Speaking during the launch held at the Ijeja stadium in Abeokuta on Tuesday, Dr. Michael Shodipo, Executive Director of PIN, said that partnership would foster relationships through sports.
Shodipo said the collaboration would promote peer-to-peer learning between both cities through community-driven peace-building strategies and youth-focused interventions.
According to him, Abeokuta became the first Nigerian city to join the global platform through PIN, creating opportunities to exchange ideas and best practices with Bristol, England.
He noted that Abeokuta and Bristol faced similar challenges, including drug abuse, youth gang violence and social exclusion, making the collaboration relevant to developing community-based solutions.
Shodipo said the programme introduced Bristol’s “contactless boxing” model, using sports to engage youths, prevent conflicts and reduce violence in vulnerable communities.
He disclosed that 15 community trainers were being equipped with skills to train others, ensuring the sustainability of the initiative beyond the initial workshop.
Shodipo added that boxing equipment donated under the project would be handed over to the Ogun State Boxing Association to promote effective utilisation and sustained community impact.
“About 15 community trainers are being equipped with skills to train others and ensure the sustainability of the initiative beyond the initial workshop.
“The boxing equipment donated under this project will be handed over to the Ogun State Boxing Association in order to promote effective utilisation and sustained community impact,”he said.
According to him, combining sports with economic empowerment would reduce youth involvement in crime while promoting peaceful coexistence and sustainable community development.
Executive Director of Empire Fighting Chance , Martin Bisp, said the Bristol boxing initiative was aimed at complementing existing youth programmes in the state through sports and psychology.
Martin noted that the initiative would support ongoing efforts by using boxing to engage young people involved in violence, gangs and other anti-social activities.
He said the programme, already implemented across the UK and North America, combined boxing with psychological support to help vulnerable youths embrace positive lifestyles.
According to him, local coaches and boxing clubs will receive training, mentorship and technical support to adopt the model where it suits their communities.
He noted that a vibrant amateur boxing structure would naturally produce a stronger professional boxing scene and create future champions for Ogun state.
Also speaking, Boxing coach and international technical official, Mosunmola Adeoti, said the initiative would positively transform youths through sports, beyond developing competitive boxers.
Adeoti noted that the programme targeted young people by promoting discipline, peacebuilding and meaningful engagement through boxing.
“Boxing is often misunderstood as a brutal sport, whereas it builds discipline, confidence and emotional control among young participants.
“Parents should encourage their children to embrace boxing, it shapes character rather than promoting violence,” she said.
The boxing coach said the collaboration would expose more youths to boxing’s life-changing opportunities.
