YOUTHS ADVISED TO EXPLORE TRADITIONAL WRESTLING OPPORTUNITIES AS PRIEST MMUONAPUAPU BURIES MUM AT OBA

By Uzo Ugwunze :

Anambra youths have been advised to explore the benefits of traditional wrestling and other traditional sports as another source of income, fame and fulfillment.

The call was made at Isu Ebii village Oba, Idemili South LGA by the High Priest of Holy Sabbath of Christ the Lord Yahweh Synagogue/ HLCM Yahweh Synagogue, Priest Noble Chibueze Mmuonapuapu during the burial ceremony of his mother, Late Ezinne/Shepherd-Mother Anthonia Ogonna Onwusika who passed on earlier this year at age 64.

“We are going back to nature, our traditional and cultural sporting events which we Igbos were known for in the olden days. What people watch on TV as Pro Wrestling are mostly Film techniques and acted but Igbo wrestling is pure exhibition of skills, physical strength and dexterity.

“We use every opportunity to promote our culture like TWC ‘Mgba Azueluani’, gymnastics ‘Ikwu ugba, etc. These local sports can attract tourism , and generate revenue for the state as well as be an alternative source of income to our unemployed youths. One can become a celebrity through local sports if developed and promoted by both private individuals and government,” he said.

Many dignitaries were present to commiserate with Priest Chibueze of HLCM Yahweh Synagogue popularly called ‘Mmuonapuapu one of the Prelates in the Sabbath Group of Churches and a member of PMAN, the National Secretary SVF Comrade Solomon Onwusika and thier siblings who lost their mother praying that God would give the bereaved the fortitude to bear the loss of their Late Mum.

According to Priest Chibueze, I and my six siblings will miss my Late Mum Ezinne Anthosco de Capable. She was so caring, She pampers me a lot, and most of all was her hospitality. You can never come around her without eating her food. We have taken after her legacies.

“So, We decided to give her a befitting burial that is why my friends, musicians from different places are here today. Moreover, as a lover of culture and traditional wrestling and sports, the TWC wrestlers and entertainment are here to entertain my people and showcase strength. If you say you are strong you can come forth and contend with the champion and go home with a prize,” Priest Chimezie said.

The TWC Champion, Okwuchukwu Okeke Okamgba Ijele who also commiserated with the mourners advised youths to exploit the benefits of traditional wrestling and sports which if well packaged can be a source of tourism, personal income and even a source of revenue generation for the state government. “In the olden days ladies fall in love with traditional wrestlers because they believe their husband will be strong enough to protect them. Wrestling also keeps you physically and mentally fit.

Moreover, Chairman Sunny Star Hotel, Nze Sunday Agina, a relative to the deceased family said in his condolence message that the reason why people have children is for the offspring to take care of them later in life and bury them not the other way round, praying God to replenish the burial expenses. “I saw the performance of the traditional wrestlers and I hope that we Igbos will embrace, invest and promote our culture including traditional wrestling instead of only watching American WrestleMania.

Also, Mrs Ebelechukwu Chibueze, daughter in law described mama as her confidant, counselor and guide who loved and treated her as one of her biological daughters when she married into the family.”Shepherd-Mother was my sister from Nnewi too my hometown. Her caring in church gave me the courage to accept to get married to someone from Oba community”.

The first daughter, Adachukwu Sandra said: “Mama was a virtuous woman, God fearing, peaceful, never interested in quarrelling or dragging anything with anyone. She wished that we her children knew God more than she does and that we are willing to do”.

Moreover, the Head Teacher of Community Model Primary School Akabo Ojoto, Mrs Precious Edoziobi described the late Matriarch as an industrious, efficient and effective administrator when she was the Pioneer Head Teacher of their school, saying that was why the Parents Teachers Association of the school decided to come for condolence despite the fact that the deceased retired over four years ago.

The trio of DG/CEO ASWAMA and National Convener Soludo Volunteer Force SVF, Hon Mike Ozoemena, Founder SVF, Nze Yahweh Onyebuchi Okoye, Woman Leader SVF, Mrs Bekee Udeoogalanya in their seperate speeches empathized with the second son of the deceased and SVF National Secretary, Comrade Solomon Onwusika for his loss, urging him to take heart.

“We the members of SVF a strong support group that is creating awareness on Prof Chukwuma Soludo’s Achievements and mobilizing voters to ensure that he returns for a second term as Governor are here to encourage our Secretary, praying God to fill the vacuum created by their mother’s death,” they said.

Other dignitaries who commiserated with the Onwusika family include Prof. Arthur Anyabolu of Chidozie Memorial hospital, Senior All Stars club, Mrs Chibugwu Ofor of Sharon Kitchen Asaba.

The deceased family prayed God to bless all the friends, relatives and well wishers who came from far and near to commiserate with them in their period of mourning and grant them safe journey back to their various destinations.

Highlights of the occasion was when the famous Gospel Artist, Gozie Okeke took over the stage to charge the occasion with his sonorous voice to the fascination of the audience and the traditional wrestling bouts slated for a day before the burial.

*Uzochukwu is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State