The spotlight of a dramatic boxing night in Lagos shifted firmly away from the ring and onto a symbolic cultural prize as Taiwo ‘Esepo’ Agbaje was presented with the “Omo Lile Belt” following his WBA Africa lightweight title victory, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
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The custom-designed belt, introduced as part of a post-fight ceremony at the National Stadium, Surulere, was awarded after Agbaje defeated Tosin ‘Sojar Boy’ Osaigbovo by unanimous decision in a fiercely contested bout promoted by De Lad’s Boxing and sanctioned by the Nigeria Boxing Board of Control.
The custom-designed belt, introduced as part of a post-fight ceremony at the National Stadium, Surulere, was awarded after Agbaje defeated Tosin ‘Sojar Boy’ Osaigbovo by unanimous decision in a fiercely contested bout promoted by De Lad’s Boxing and sanctioned by the Nigeria Boxing Board of Control.
While Agbaje’s performance secured him the continental title after a resilient display across the rounds, the evening’s defining moment came after the final bell when attention moved to the unveiling of the symbolic award.
The “Omo Lile Belt” was presented inside the ring by Nigerian entertainment entrepreneur and Web3 innovator Ogegbo Babajide, popularly known as “Locomotive”, who designed the initiative as a cultural recognition of resilience, dominance and street credibility within Nigeria’s evolving combat sports scene.
Created by Blackadudu Africa, the belt was introduced as a statement piece intended to merge boxing achievement with broader cultural identity, drawing loud reactions from spectators as it was handed to the new champion.
Explaining the concept behind the award, Locomotive said it was designed to represent values beyond sporting success.
“This belt is more than a trophy,” he said.
“It represents resilience, discipline, and the spirit of the streets that produce real champions.”
Agbaje, who had earlier delivered a hard-fought victory in the ring, was visibly emotional as he received the honour, describing it as a meaningful recognition of his journey and background.
“I appreciate this moment. It means a lot to my team and me,” he said. “This is motivation to keep pushing and representing where I come from.”
The ceremony was further amplified by the appearance of street-hop artiste Danny S, whose popular track “Omo Lile” inspired the belt’s name.
He joined Agbaje on stage during the presentation, adding a cultural and musical layer to the celebration.
“Omo Lile is about strength and survival,” he said.
Organisers said the presentation was designed to merge boxing, entertainment and youth culture into a single experience, positioning the event as part of a wider movement to elevate emerging talent.
Locomotive, who is also an official Stake ambassador, said the initiative is part of a broader plan to create platforms for young athletes and creatives to gain global visibility.
“We are building platforms for young people to shine globally,” he said. “This is only the beginning of a bigger movement.”
The event also served as a preview for upcoming announcements, including the planned launch of Dogemeatpay and new youth-focused partnerships, as stakeholders behind the “Locomotive Train” movement look to expand its presence across sport, entertainment and digital innovation.
