#IgbuAkohPalace
#2022WrestlingSeason

IGBU AKOH KINGDOM OPENS 2022 WRESTLING SEASON

Culture they say is the way of life of a people. This indeed was shown in the life and pattern of the Akoh people, an ancient Kingdom in Ekpeye, Ahoada East Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria as they open the 2022 Wrestling Season.

The good and peace loving people of Igbu Akoh Kingdom had their 2022 wrestling season opening ceremony yesterday 29th July, 2022 under the distinguished chairmanship of Hon. Barr. Benjamin Israel Eke, Executive Chairman Ahoada East Local Government Area who was ably represented by Hon. Emedhem Appah, Supervisor for Works in Ahoada East Local Government Area Rivers State. An event which took place at Ogbo Community playground, a community in Akoh Kingdom saw the influx of dignitaries from all works of life.

Addressing his subjects and invited guests in his opening remarks, the host king and Natural Ruler of Akoh Kingdom, His Majesty Eze (Hon) Cassidy O. W Ikegbidi JP, AP , Eze Igbu Akoh II (Owuze Ekpeye Logbo) welcomed the dignitaries and people of his kingdom as he advised a peaceful wrestling season

Declaring the Igbu Akoh Kingdom 2022 Wrestling Season open, the Royal Father of the day, His Imperial Majesty Eze Sir (Amb) Kelvin Ngozi Anugwo Ph.D, JP, AP, Eze Ekpeye Logbo III reiterated the rudiments and significance of the Wrestling culture of the Ekpeye people stressing that it is a sport that fosters unity and oneness.

Eze Anugwo adviced that wrestlers should be peaceful and coordinated as he declared the epoch making event open.
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Dignitaries who graced the occasion include:
His Majesty Eze Sir (Amb) Kelvin Ngozi Anugwo Ph.D, JP, AP Eze Ekpeye Logbo III, His Majesty Eze (Hon) Augustine Maxwell Okpokiri JP, Eze Igbu Ubie IV, His Royal Majesty King Moore MacLean Ubuo, Okilomube III of Engenni Kingdom, HRH Chief Jonathan I Okwa, Okilomu Opiri of Ogua Clan in Engenni Kingdom, HRH King Air Commodore T. E. O Ogube (Rtd) JP, DSS , MSS, FSS, PSC, FDC, MSc, MBA, FCNA, Ogube I, Perekune Kingoli I, Amayanabo of Kirike Kingdom, HRH Eze Ali Ahiaorie I of Egi Land, Eze Apaka -Apaka Zege- Zege, HRH Eze Nelson Benjamin Okwa JP, Eze Emene Ekamini Ubie, High Chief Ukpeni, Eze Umu Ekonor Ekpeye, High Chief Elems Eligwe
Adigwe Ekpeye Logbo, High Chief Dr. Innocent Otuya, High Chief Reuben Orlu Usamali Ekpeye Logbo, High Chief Nnamdi Ahiamadu Ph.D, Chief Oyekwuto Ukwe Ph.D, Former Caretaker Chairman Abua Odual Local Government Area, Rivers State and High Chief Okedike who coordinated the wrestling commanders.

Others include, Hon. Asita Honourable Asita, APC Senatorial District Candidate, Rivers West, Hon. Eric Apia, House of Representatives Candidate, Abua-Odual /Ahoada East Federal Constituency, Hon. Frank Ogiri, Former Chairman, Ahoada West Local Government Area, Hon. Victor Abaje, Former Caretaker Chairman, Ahoada West LGA, Hon. Uwuma Awala, APC Candidate, Rivers State House of Assembly, Ahoada East Constituency I, Comrade Ugochukwu Orikoha, President General, Egi People's Assembly, Hon. Queen Ideozu, Former, Woman Leader, APC Ahoada East LGA, Hon. Engr. Awara Biokpomabo, Former Governorship Candidate, Rivers State, Hon. Ezekwem China, Former APC Chairman Ahoada East LGA and State Organizing Secretary, Barr. Chimenim Jerome, Warisenibo Dagogo Green senatorial Candidate SDP, Rivers West Senatorial District, Hon. Fubara Pepple, House of Representatives, Bonny -Degema Federal Constituency, Hon. Dr. Chigbo Eligwe, Former Member, Rivers State House of Assembly and Candidate of SDP, Ahoada West- Onelga Federal House of Representatives, Amb. Esedi Joe, Publicity Secretary, SDP Rivers State, Hon. Umegbewe Douglas Ikashi, Former Caretaker Chairman Ahoada East LGA, Hon. Charles Luke, Former Caretaker Chairman Ahoada East LGA and Current Chief of Staff, Ahoada East LGA, Senior Comrd Bright Ite, Ekpeye Youth Congress (EYC) President General, Hon. Clifford King David, State SDP Campaign DG, Hon. Brown Orwells, SDP Candidate for Rivers State House of Assembly, Bonny Constituency, delegates from Rivers State sports council, youth bodies, military and para military groups, students union, journalists etc.

Eric-Okpara Agwenitani Primus
SA, Media and Publicity
Igbu Akoh Palace
31st July, 2022.

The FG needs to tap into local events like these and promote wrestling and other combat sports at the national level. We should be rivaling the Iranians, Cubans and Caucasus nations in this sport.