MORE THAN 100,000 CHILDREN HAVE BEEN DISPLACED BY THE LATEST ESCALATION IN EASTERN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, UNICEF SAID ON SUNDAY, WARNING THE NUMBERS ARE EXPECTED TO RISE AS VIOLENCE SPREADS.(PHOTO).
The Abia State Government has immortalized late Nigerian boxing icon Obisia "Golden Gloves" Nwankpa by naming a prestigious medal after him, to be awarded to champions of the Abia State Secondary School Unity Games.
The announcement was made on Friday by the state's Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Nwaobilor Ananaba, during a state-organized burial ceremony for the Olympian at the Umuahia Township Stadium.
Represented by the Special Assistant to the Governor on Sports, Mr. Raymond Ukwa, Commissioner Ananaba described the honour as a fitting tribute to Nwankpa's lifelong commitment to sports and service to his homeland.
"Through this initiative, his name will live on in Abia schools, the sports development system, and in the dreams of young Abians who aspire to excellence," the commissioner stated.
He extended condolences to the Nwankpa family on behalf of the state government, recognizing the deceased as part of the generation that defined Nigerian sports.
In a tribute, Abia State Director of Sports, Obioma George, hailed Nwankpa as a "warrior" who excelled in boxing, winning 23 of his 29 professional fights, including 16 knockouts.
George highlighted Nwankpa's gold medals at the 1973 All-Africa Games in Lagos and the 1974 Commonwealth Games, as well as his participation in the 1972 Munich Olympics as a light-welterweight boxer.
Nwankpa, who passed away in June 2025 at age 75 after a prolonged illness, was laid to rest later that day in his hometown of Okpulukwu Umuosu, Nsulu, in Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area.
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