Abia State Immortalises Boxing Legend Obisia Nwankpa with School Games Medal

The Abia State Government has immortalized the late legendary Olympian and celebrated boxer, Obisia Nwankpa, by naming the boxing medals at the Abia State Secondary School Unity Games after him.

The Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development, Sir. Nwaobilor Ananaba, made the announcement on Friday at the Umuahia Township Stadium during a state burial ceremony organised in honour of the late boxing icon.
He was represented at the event by the Special Assistant to the Governor on Sports, Mr. Raymond Ukwa.

Sir Ananaba described the gesture as a fitting tribute to the boxer’s lifelong commitment to excellence, service and youth development, noting that the Obisia Nwankpa Medal would ensure his legacy endures across the state’s sports ecosystem.

According to him, the recognition guarantees that “his name will live in Abia schools, the sports development system and in the dreams of young Abians who believe in excellence.”

He also condoled with the Nwankpa family on behalf of the Abia State Government, describing the late boxer as part of “the generation that defined sports in Nigeria.”

“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, late Obisia Nwankpa, fondly called the Golden Gloves,” Sir Ananaba said.

“Obisia belonged to the generation that defined sports in Nigeria through discipline, sacrifice and uncommon patriotism. Throughout his sporting and boxing career, he represented Nigeria and Abia State at the highest levels of sports excellence. He did not just represent the state; he represented the hopes of the people and the resilience of the country.

“He invested his time, resources and personal influence in young people and athletes, opening doors and creating opportunities that would otherwise have remained closed.

“On behalf of the Government and people of Abia State, we say today with clarity and gratitude: Abia State remembers Obisia Nwankpa.”

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Sports and Youth Development, Chief Cyril Nwaigwe, described the death of the boxing legend as a huge loss to both his family and the sporting community, urging the bereaved to take comfort and not grieve “as people without hope.”

In his tribute, the Director of Sports, Comrade Obioma George, highlighted the late boxer’s remarkable professional record, revealing that Nwankpa won 23 of his 29 professional bouts, with 16 victories coming by knockout.

“Obisia Nwankpa had so many boxing titles. He fought 29 fights and won 23 of them, with 16 knockouts. He was a warrior, a fighter and a truly talented boxer,” George said.

Delivering a sermon titled Divine Responsibility, Mr. Stanley Adindu reminded the audience that every individual is assigned a purpose and a time to fulfil it, urging people to identify and diligently complete their life’s assignment.

Speaking on behalf of the family, the widow of the deceased, Mrs. Franca Obisia Nwankpa, and his first daughter, Mrs. Victoria Ngozi, paid glowing tributes to the late Olympian, recalling his devotion to family life and describing him as compassionate, generous and fiercely committed to fairness and equity.

The late Obisia Nwankpa, who died at the age of 75, was later laid to rest in his hometown of Okpulukwu Umuosu, Nsulu, in Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area of Abia State.

The funeral ceremony was attended by government officials, sports icons and members of the public, and featured cultural performances by the Olympian community as well as a boxing demonstration in honour of the fallen legend.