From Njoku Macdonald Obinna
Kigali, Republic of Rwanda
Indeed, victory is sweet. And success has many friends. It’s yet another moment of celebration for the Akwiwu Dynasty in Ogwuaga Abba, Nwangele LGA, Imo State; in particular to Nze Obinna Akwiwu (Oshimiri lll of Abba), as his grandson, Ebuka Nwokeji, made the family and Nigeria proud by winning the Silver medal in the Commonwealth Youth Games male category) 200M IB Athletic Champion 2023, amid heartwarming commendations and congratulatory messages from home and abroad.
In the vibrant tapestry of international athletics, Ebuka Nwokeji stands out with blazing brilliance. Born of talent, nurtured by heritage, and propelled by a relentless drive.
This 16 year old sprinter from Arondizuogu, Imo State, has etched his name in the annals of sporting glory. Ebuka’s journey to greatness was marked by an astounding display of speed and precision.
His sterling performance all through the 2023 athletics season earned him the honour of representing England on the global stage twice in 2023. Firstly, at the Schools International Athletic Board (SIAB) competition on Saturday, July 15, 2023, and most recently at the Commonwealth Youth Games held in Trinidad and Tobago in August, 2023.
The Nigerian – born British citizen and young athlete, Ebuka Nwokeji; is an inspiring success story in youth athletics as he has continued to garner momentum while proving his mettle as a shinning star having won a number of laurels during different school competitions in England.
Ebuka’s opening act in the Commonwealth Youth Games on Monday, 8th August, was simply a display of brilliance. Overcoming his heat with a time of 10.64 seconds, he established his authority and secured qualification. The semifinals witnessed another burst of excellence, with Ebuka clinching the top spot with a time of 10.51 seconds (-0.4), a personal best.
In the midst of his remarkable individual feats, Ebuka’s performance in relay events remains unmatched, which may be one of the reasons he was also selected to be part of the relay team. From the SIAB relay record set by his England team to being part of the Northants relay team’s gold-winning triumph in the mixed relay, his commitment to teamwork shines bright. As a star sprinter, Ebuka Nwokeji’s is not only in his remarkable athletic achievements but also in the indomitable spirit he embodies. With a lineage steeped in leadership and greatness, and a future that holds promise, Ebuka Nwokeji is a beacon of inspiration for the next generation of athletes, as he carries the hopes of the next generation into the exhilarating realm of world-class athletics.
The foundation of the 16 year old Ebuka Nwokeji’s is rooted in a heritage steeped in excellence. Though selected to run for the England team , his Nigerian routes can be traced to a linage of great pedigree. As the eldest son of Bosco Nwokeji and Nnembu Nwokeji (nee Akwiwu), he carries forth a legacy of determination. His lineage is woven with threads of greatness, as he stands as the grandson of Chief Goddy Nwokeji, a confluence of wisdom as a quantity surveyor and hotelier, Chief Goddy Nwokeji’s legacy of leadership and innovation is passed on to his grandson, Ebuka. Tracing his lineage further, Ebuka finds his connection to the illustrious Chief S.O. Akwiwu, the OSHIMIRI of Abba. This connection resonates through generations, with Ebuka standing as the great-great grandson of this remarkable leader. The torch of leadership is carried onward through Chief E. C. Akwiwu, OSHIMIRI ll, and finds its culmination in Chief Obinna Nwachinemere Akwiwu, OSHIMIRI lll, his grandfather
Announcing their selection in a foreign newsletter obtained by the Publisher of 4th Estate Reporters, Njoku Macdonald Obinna, Fipma, with the caption: Team England Athletes Selected For Trinidad and Tobago 2023, which read in parts:
“ We are delighted to announce the 31 athletes who have been confirmed for selection to represent Team England at this summer’s Commonwealth Youth Games on the islands of Trinidad and Tobago from 4-11 August.”
“Consisting of 16 female and 15 male athletes, the group represents excellent medal potential for England in the athletics competition.”
An obviously elated Ebuka Nwokeji, while sharing his excitement, having been selected as a member of Team England to participate in the ongoing Commonwealth 2023 Youth Games in Trinidad and Tobago, expressed thus:
“It’s a tremendous honour to represent my country on an international stage. I am aware of the legacy of previous English athletes who have competed, like Dame Kelly Holmes, and the high standards they have set. My reaction on hearing that I had been selected was a mix of shock and excitement, a dream come true. This rates as a huge milestone I have reached as an athlete so far.”
“I am very proud to represent England, and I am very grateful to be able to add this to my list of achievements. I was happy and surprised at hearing the announcement about my selection after the school’s competition. It’s a great honour to represent England, and I’m very grateful for the opportunity. Many thanks to God and family. “
Tracing the family background and genelogy of the young international athlete, Ebuka Nwokeji, 17, this Reporter authoritatively gathered that his parents are from Aro- Ndizuogu, in the present Imo State.
However, it is worthy of note to acknowledge the immeasurable roles of the unstinted devotion , huge financial investment, uncompromised inspiring leadership, undiluted love and sacrifices made by Ebuka’s parents, Bosco and Nnembu (Nee Akwiwu), have showered on him in the cause of building his career as an athlete.
Outside providing all necessities needed to see Ebuka through his athletic career, his parents remain his lifetime guide and coaches as they are the ones who routinely drop him off at his training arena.
To such amazing parents, they deserve accolade for their commitment in raising a young star that is fast taking the global centre stage in international athletics.
Going through the official Instagram handle of the young star, Ebuka Nwokeji; @ebuka.nwokeji, as myraid of goodwill messages from school mates, friends, and family members continue to pour in, Nze Obinna Nwachinemere Akwiwu (Oshimri lll of Abba), a royal stool – designate in Ogwuaga Abba Autonomous Community, Nwangele LGA, Imo State, said the winning marks the beginning of other laurels that his grandson, Ebuka Nwokeji, would record on the global stage in athletics, praying God to keep strengthening him in his chosen career.