ABSG Honours Late Boxing Legend Obisie Nwankpa, Institutes Unity Games Medals in His Name

The Abia State Government (ABSG) has honoured the late Abia-born legendary boxer and Olympian, Bishop Obisie Nwankpa, pledging that henceforth, boxing champions at the Abia State Secondary School Unity Games will be awarded medals bearing his name.

The announcement was made on Friday at the Umuahia Township Stadium during a state burial ceremony organised by the Abia State Government in honour of the late sports icon. The Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development, Sir Nwaobilor Ananaba, disclosed this while being represented by the Special Assistant to the Governor on Sports, Mr Raymond Ukwa.

According to the Commissioner, the honour was instituted in recognition of Obisie Nwankpa’s immense commitment, discipline and lasting contributions to sports development in Abia State and Nigeria at large. He noted that the initiative would ensure the late boxer’s legacy lives on in schools, the state’s sports development system and in the aspirations of young Abians who believe in excellence.

Ananaba, on behalf of the Abia State Government, condoled with the Nwankpa family, describing the late Olympian as part of the generation that defined sports in Nigeria through sacrifice, patriotism and discipline.

“Today, we gather as a state united in gratitude and solemn reflection to honour the life and legacy of one of Abia’s most illustrious sons, Obisie Nwankpa, fondly known as Golden Gloves. He belonged to the generation that defined sports in Nigeria through discipline, sacrifice and uncommon patriotism,” he said.

He added that throughout his career, Nwankpa represented both Abia State and Nigeria with distinction, symbolising hope, resilience and excellence, while also investing his time, resources and influence in mentoring young athletes and creating opportunities for them.

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Chief Cyril Nwaigwe, noted that Obisie Nwankpa’s passing had created a vacuum in the sports sector and in his family, but urged the family not to mourn as those without hope, given the impactful life he lived.

In his tribute, the Abia State Director of Sports, Comrade Obioma George, described the late boxer as a dedicated professional who excelled in his chosen sport. He revealed that Nwankpa won 23 of his 29 professional fights, with 16 victories coming by knockout.

“Our brother started boxing at the amateur level and rose to the professional stage. He won a gold medal at the All-Africa Games in Lagos in 1973 and also clinched gold at the Commonwealth Games. He competed as a light-welterweight and represented Nigeria at the 1972 Munich Olympics,” Comrade George stated.

Delivering a brief sermon titled “Divine Responsibility,” Mr Stanley Adindu reminded the audience that everyone is assigned a role and time to fulfil it, urging all to identify and accomplish their divine assignments within the allotted time.

In an interview, the deceased’s first daughter, Mrs Victoria Ngozi, described her late father as kind, generous, loving and accommodating, noting that he was a father to all and detested injustice.

“He hated cheating and discrimination. Whenever he got angry, it was because he felt someone was being cheated. My father was a very kind man,” she said.

The wife of the deceased, Mrs Franca Obisie Nwankpa, described her husband as a caring and devoted family man who was deeply concerned about the wellbeing of his children.

“He would not sleep until his children slept, and even at midnight he would wake up to check on them. Even when he scolded them, he would later ask for their forgiveness,” she recalled.

The late Bishop Obisie Nwankpa, aged 75, a celebrated boxing legend and Olympian, was laid to rest at his hometown of Okpulukwu Umuosu, Nsulu, in Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area of Abia State. The burial ceremony was attended by top government officials, sports administrators, former athletes and community members.

Highlights of the ceremony included cultural performances by the Olympian community and boxing demonstrations in honour of the late sports icon.