*OBAYI OVIM ISUIKWUATO FETES THEIR WRESTLING HEROS, CELEBRATES (OJI GBARA ASAA)*
Saturday 3rd August 2024 was
was indeed a great day in the hilly and serene community of Obayi Ovim as the people gathered together to celebrate their wrestling heros both dead and alive. It was also a day the villagers set aside to celebrate (oji gbara asaa) ie Kola-nut with seven pieces which was discovered early this year during a village meeting.
On ground to grace the occasion was Lt. Gen. Onyeabor Azubuike Ihejirika, CFR, former Chief of Army Staff who is an illustrious son of Obayi, Air Vice Marshal Chinwendu Onyike fdc (Rtd), Mayor Isuikwuato Local Government Area, Hon. Lucky Nweke Johnson, member representing Isuikwuato State Constituency at Abia State House of Assembly, HRH Eze Surveyor (Sir) Chigbu Ikwulagu, Traditional Ruler of Amune Autonomous Community, Navy Comdr. Ochiabuto Igbokwe (Rtd), Hon. Nkem Doncan Oji, Councilor representing Ezere Ward 2 amongst other diginitries.
The event started with a novelty wrestling match by the indegenes. While addressing the crowd, Lt. Gen. Onyeabor Azubuike Ihejirika, CRF used the opportunity to emphasize the need to preserve the people’s culture and traditions through wrestling activities and in so doing the Youths will be dutifully engaged, keeping them away from social vices. He further said honouring past heros is a culture that should be instituted in same way the western culture honours theirs through cananonisation and Sainthood.
The award presentation was kick-started by Lt. General Onyeabor Azubuike Ihejirika, CFR who read the citation of each of the awardees quoting dates and years with precision albeit extempore to the admiration of the crowd. Hon. Lucky Nweke Johnson also took time to make presentations to some awardees, Eight people received posthumous awards while the only surviving two among whom was an 85year old man were decorated by the Mayor with expensive george wrappers courtesy of the Mayor in addition to certificates and cash given by the community.
Finally, Hon. Lucky Nweke Johnson challenged the Mayor to a novelty wrestling match and the ceremony came to a close with a
hilarious applause for the two illustrious sons of Isuikwuato.
Report captured by;
Adm. (Chief) Chidi Ogboku, ACIA
Chief Press Secretary/Ag. CoS to Mayor/TC Chairman
