From Maurice Okafor, Enugu
Traditional wrestling is a culture among the Igbo tribe, South East Nigeria, which is currently fading away. The influx of free style (Wrestmania) wrestling as a foreign culture has greatlly undermined traditional wrestling in Igbo land, which was one of the major sporting and gaming activities of the ancient Igbo man. especially in Achi and its surrounding communities.
As a measure to reverse the ugly trend, His Royal Highness, Igwe Chima Achiekwelu,the ‘Eze Ishiala’ of Achi town, who is also the Chairman,Oji River Council of Traditional Rulers, has systematically inculcated traditional wresting as an important segment of the annual new yam festival in Elugwu na Nkpokolo- Achi community known as Nneke-Ji/Mgbabu Edere’ festival.
His empowerment packages such as buses, cars, tricycles and consolation cash prizes has been a motivating factor for young men from the twelve viljages in Achi to participate in the competition in the past few years.
The trio of Mr Onyedika Awuzie from Egwu-Achi, Mr Obiri Michael from Amankpunato Achi and Mr Chibuike Okechi,from Agbadala-Achi, emerged the overall best three wrestlers of the 2024 edition of the festival on Sunday, October 27,out of the 30 young men who registered for the 2024 edition of the contest.
Mr Onyeka Awuzie and his fans joyfully drove home with the Sienna car donated by Igwe Achiekwelu for the best wrestler of the 2024 competition.
Igwe Chima Achiekwelu (centre) and the three best winners of the traditional wrestling competition.
Mr Obiri Michael who technically lost to Onyeka Awuzie was empowered with a shuttle bus. Mr Chibuike Okechi beat Mr Nonso Obiajulu in the contest for the third positiion and was handed over the key of a brand new Tricycle popularly known as keke.
HRH Igwe Chima Achiekwelu, graciously gave a consolation prize of N100,000t cash to Nonso Obiajulu,for emerging the best looser(4th position).
Earlier on, Master Onyeze Okwu, who emerged the overall best in the junior category received a ‘Choppa brand of bicycle’ from the organizers. He joyfully sped off with the bicycle without waiting to the end of ceremony or group photograph with other winners.
It was observed that the contestants at each stage of the competition, received cash gifts from the highly enthusiastic crowd who admired their prowess.
It was a very hectic moment for Mazi Nnabuike Okwu led organising committee of the event because the elimination series which started on Friday, October 25,had the quarter finals, semi finals and finals stages spilled over to Sunday,October 27,and attracted audience beyond the expectation of the event planners.
The rules guiding every traditional wrestling contest entails that one is only declared a winner at the moment his opponent falls flat on the ground with his back,within the ring.
Again, the struggle among two wrestlers must be within the enclosed ring filled with sands
Thirdly, the contestants are strictly cautioned not to touch or pull the private parts of his opponent.Boxing and the use of external instruments as practised in a free style wrestling is not allowed.
It was observed that even though the wrestling competition was the cynosure of all eyes, the most exciting, rewarding and entertaining aspect of the 2024 edition of ‘Nneke-Ji/Mgbabu Edere (New yam) festival of ‘Elugwu Na Nkpokoro Achi community, the ritual of cutting and eating of roasted new yams was culturally performed by Igwe Chima Achiekwelu, on Friday, October 25,at the venue.
He thanked the gods of the land for the bountiful harvest and prayed for an i increased yield next season.
He ate some portions of roasted yam to mark official declaration of yams produced from 2024 harvests in Achi.
The members of ‘Nze na Ozo’ Achi, other titled groups, Women groups, Friends and Well wishers who turned up for the celebration were entertained with the roasted new yams and other delicacies.
Intermittently, the ‘Mgbabu Edere cultural group comprising of teenagers (all men) guided by Mr Peter Okoye alias Picollo entertained the crowd with their traditional music which depicts the culture of their fore fathers.
The event of cutting and eating of new yam by HRH Igwe Chima Achiekwelu, was also followed up with presentation of gifts to his cabinet by several groups, including the ‘Nze na Ozo title holders,Umuada na Nkpokolo,the Dynamic Women,among others.
The most astonishing of the presentations came from ‘Forum of Oji River Journalists, who presented HRH Igwe Achiekwelu with an award of ‘Cultural and Traditional Excellence’for his outstanding contributions in reawakening Achi and by extension the Igbo nation.
It is worthy to mention that the 2024 edition of Nneke-Eji/Mgbabu Edere festival held at Eke Egbo-Ach on Fridayi, October 25,was kicked off in the morning with a mini distance race conducted in three stages, for the Youth, Women and the men.
HRH Igwe Chima Achiekwelu, also doled out cash gifts for the winners of the race from each of the three groups,before the closure of the festival on Sunday,October 27.
Dignatories from all walks of life graced the 2024 new yam festival ‘Nneke-Ji/Mgbabu Edere festival of Elugwu Na Nkpokolo Achi, championed by HRH Igwe Chima Achiekwelu.
They commended him for his committment in reviving Traditional wrestling which is supposed to be a culture from one generation to another in Igbn land.
They equally appraised his initiative of empowering the natives especially the youths through some of the programmes.
In their speeches delivered on Sunday, October 27, the chairman of the organising committee,Mazi Nnabuike Okwu, expressed gratitude to HRH Igwe Chima Achiekwelu, for re invigorating and consolidating the annual celebration of Nneke-Ji/Mgbabu Edere festival, Other projects he is enthroning to ginger development n Achi,describing his empowernment programmes for the youths as unparralled in the town.
Mazi Okwu expressed gratitude to all the personalities,who carved out tine to visit Achi and witnessed the festival.
Igwe Chima Achikwelu prayed God to guide, protect and bless friends.Sons and daughters of Achi town, who returned home for the festival. He prayed for the 2025 edition packaging to surpass the 2024 edition.
Among the personalities were Hon. Stanley Okereke, a governorship aspirant in Anambra state, The Enugu State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dame Ugochi Madueke, Chairman, Enugu State Capital Territory Development Authority (ECTDA), Hon.Uche Anya, Hon.Greg Anyaegbudike, the Chairman of Oji River Council Area, Hon.John Okefi, representing Oji Urban(ward 4). Apostle Dr Ikpeama, the Head of Personnel, Oji River local government area.
Both Senator Osita Ngwu representing Enugu West senatorial district in the National Assembly,Hon. Anayo Onwuegbu, representing Aninri/Awgu/Oji River Federal Constituency, Hon. Osita Ezeh,representing Oji River constituency in Enugu state assembly were adequately represented.
Igwe Godwin Madu, the Deputy Chairman,Enugu State Council of Traditional Rulers witnessed the event.
Other traditional rulers who featured at the event were HRH Igwe Mike Mberede Ogu of Obibi kingdom, HRH Igwe Victor Meniru, the President, Nze na Ozo Society Achi,Chief Henry Achiekwelu, the Coordinating PG,Oji River President Generals, Hon.Ejike Iloh,Nze Theo Onyebueke,Ichie Luke Achiekwelu, among others.
