Eze Amb. Nicholas Emenike Njoku
Hon. Fidelis Kene Chiekezie
The Nigeria Professional Wrestling Federation (NPWF) has honoured Eze Amb. Nicholas Emenike Njoku, Eze Ndigbo of Ejigbo LCDA, Lagos, with a National Award for his leadership, community service and inputs to society.
The presentation formed part of the federation’s broader efforts to recognise individuals who have demonstrated commitment to youth advancement, community advancement and the growth of professional wrestling in Nigeria.
Receiving the honour, Eze Njoku expressed appreciation to the NPWF, describing the recognition as an encouragement to continue supporting initiatives that positively impact society.
He said professional wrestling could serve as an important platform for promoting national unity, pointing out that wrestlers from different ethnic and cultural backgrounds come together whenever Nigeria is represented internationally.
“Nigeria is one; the only thing that divides us is politics,” Chief John noted.
L-R: 1, 2, NPWF National President, Eze Amb. Nicholas Emenike Njoku, Zion Lion, 5, Elephando Bassey
Eze Njoku also called on stakeholders within the wrestling industry to move away from tribal considerations, nepotism and other practices that could undermine the development of talented athletes. He advocated a system where recognition and opportunities are based primarily on merit, achievement and contribution.
The federation similarly honoured the Onowu of Eze Ndigbo, Ejigbo LCDA, Amb. Engr. Richard Chukwuedozie, for his support and patronage of the organisation.
Chiekezie Commends NPWF President
Speaking on the development of professional wrestling, Southeast Director of the NPWF, Hon. Fidelis Kene Chiekezie, commended the federation’s National President, Chief John Onyebuchi Uche, for his continued efforts to expand professional wrestling and create opportunities for young Nigerians.
Chiekezie said the federation’s grassroots orientation and investment in emerging wrestlers demonstrate the importance of building a sustainable professional wrestling structure capable of producing athletes for national and international competition.
He particularly praised Chief Uche for continuing to push the professional wrestling agenda despite the financial and structural challenges facing the sector.
According to him, greater institutional recognition and collaboration would enable the federation to reach more young people with wrestling talent across the country.
The NPWF National President, Chief John Onyebuchi Uche, used the occasion to renew his appeal for increased government involvement in professional wrestling and other professional sporting disciplines.
Uche maintained that Nigeria possesses considerable wrestling talent but lacks the level of institutional investment required to transform that talent into a globally competitive professional industry.
He noted that amateur wrestling has an established place within Nigeria’s sports structure, while professional wrestling largely depends on private initiatives, promoters and organisations for funding, training and athlete development.
The federation, he explained, has consequently relied substantially on internally generated resources to train young wrestlers, organise programmes and expose athletes to competitive opportunities.
Uche disclosed that he had personally invested in the development of young wrestlers across 21 local government areas in Anambra State, but stressed that such efforts would be more sustainable with government and corporate support.
“This is too heavy for us. We need the government to come in and train our youths. Instead of allowing them to use their strength and energy for hooliganism, we are ready to convert that energy into productive sporting activities for the benefit of Nigeria.”
He argued that young people with great physical abilities including bodybuilders and other strength-based athletes could be redirected into structured sporting careers if appropriate facilities, coaching and opportunities were made available.
Federation Plans Abuja Secretariat
The NPWF president also revealed plans to establish a ₦500 million secretariat in Abuja, which he said would provide an administrative and developmental base for the federation and contribute to the long-term organisation of professional wrestling in Nigeria.
He called on the Federal Government, state governments, corporate organisations and other private-sector stakeholders to partner with the federation in identifying, training and promoting young wrestlers.
The federation believes that stronger investment in grassroots scouting, professional coaching, facilities and athlete development could create a viable pathway for Nigerian wrestlers to compete successfully across Africa and internationally.
The NPWF said its award programme is also intended to recognise community leaders and individuals whose contributions can help strengthen the relationship between professional wrestling and wider society.
Founded in 1981 and headquartered in Lagos, the Nigeria Professional Wrestling Federation promotes professional wrestling and sports entertainment in Nigeria. It operates separately from the Nigeria Amateur Wrestling Federation (NAWF) which are all under Nigeria Wrestling Federation (NWF), which oversees amateur and Olympic-style wrestling.
The federation said it remains focused on discovering raw talent, developing the next generation of Nigerian professional wrestlers and creating a stronger platform for the country's representation on the international professional wrestling scene.
Credit: Throwback Times Nigeria
