Abia Honours Legendary Boxer, Obisie Nwankpa With Memorial Medal

The Abia State Government has taken a monumental step in honouring the legacy of the late Bishop Obisie Nwankpa, a celebrated Olympian and boxing icon, by naming the medal awarded to boxing champions at the Abia State Secondary School Unity Games after him.

The announcement was made during a state burial event organised to pay tribute to Nwankpa at the Umuahia Township Stadium.

The Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development, Sir Nwaobilor Ananaba, who spoke at the ceremony through his Special Assistant on Sports, Mr Raymond Ukwa, highlighted that the newly instituted Obisie Nwankpa Medal is a fitting acknowledgement of the boxer’s dedication to excellence and his service to the sport.

“This gesture ensures that his name will live on in Abia schools and sports development systems, inspiring young Abians who aspire to achieve greatness,” said Ukwa.

He expressed condolences to the Nwankpa family on behalf of the state government and emphasised the significant impact of the late boxer, referring to him as one of “Abia’s most illustrious sons.”

Nwankpa, nicknamed the “Golden Gloves, was lauded for his contributions to sports not just in Abia State, but across Nigeria.

“Obisie belonged to a generation that defined sports in Nigeria through discipline, sacrifice, and patriotism,” Ukwa reflected.

He elaborated on how Nwankpa represented the aspirations of his community, investing in the lives of young athletes and helping to create opportunities for their success.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Sports and Youth Development, Chief Cyril Nwaigwe, described Nwankpa’s passing as a significant loss for both his family and the sporting community. He encouraged the bereaved to find comfort in their memories of him and not to grieve as those without hope.

Comrade Obioma George, the Director of Sports, shared remarkable statistics about Nwankpa’s career, revealing that he secured 23 victories in 29 professional fights, including 16 knockouts.

“He began his journey in boxing as an amateur, eventually earning a gold medal at the All-African Games in 1973 in Lagos and participating in the 1972 Munich Olympics,” George recounted, highlighting the boxer’s achievements and resilience.

During the memorial service, a sermon titled “Divine Responsibility” was delivered by Mr Stanley Adindu, who reminded attendees of the importance of recognising and fulfilling one’s purpose in life.

In heartfelt tributes, Nwankpa’s widow, Mrs Franca Obisie Nwankpa, and his daughter, Mrs Victoria Ngozi, fondly remembered him as a compassionate and protective figure who was committed to his family and community.

Bishop Obisie Nwankpa, who passed away at the age of 75, was laid to rest in his hometown of Okpulukwu Umuosu, Nsulu, in Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area.

The funeral service attracted a diverse crowd, including government officials and sports icons, and featured performances by the Olympian Community, alongside boxing demonstrations celebrating Nwankpa’s significant contributions to the sport.

This initiative by the Abia State Government ensures that the legacy of Bishop Obisie Nwankpa will continue to inspire future generations of athletes in the region and beyond.