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From Ndubuisi Orji, Abuja
It was an atmosphere of conviviality in Abuja, on September 11, as indigenes of Okposi in Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State rolled out the drums to celebrate one of their daughters, Hannah Amauchechi Reuben, who made them proud at the just concluded Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, England.
The athlete, an Olympian, won silver in women’s Freestyle 76kg wrestling event at the games, thereby bringing unspeakable joy to the country and her immediate community. She was close to winning gold, but narrowly missed it, losing 4-2 (VPO1) to Justina Di Stasio of Team Canada.
Previously, the Commonwealth medalist, who hails from Ndi Unuhu, Umuka-Okposi, had won medals in different sporting competitions, including the National Sports Festival, 2016 Olympics in Brazil, and 2015 All-Africa Games in Congo Brazzaville, among others.
The Abuja event, which was organised by the Okposi E-8, a sociocultural and political organization of Okposi elite across the globe, was attended by notables from the community, including academics and accomplished public servants, among others, was an opportunity to honour an outstanding daughter.
President of Okposi E-8, Chief Morgan Mmahi, who set the tone for the evening, said the organization decided to celebrate Hannah not just for her sporting accomplishment but also a reinforcement of the resolve of the group to encourage good behaviour.
Consequently, Mmahi said beyond the reception Okposi E-8 has chosen the Commonwealth medalist as the youth ambassador for Okposi community. He added that the formal investiture would be during the organization’s annual general meeting in December this year.
Mmahi said: “One of our main objectives is to reinforce good behaviour by encouraging it. Our daughter has done us proud. She has brought honour to our community.
“We pride yourselves as the catalysts for the development of Okposi. We are very excited over her feat, at the Commonwealth Games. So, in December, we are going to honour her during our annual general meeting, as the youth ambassador of our community.”
He posited that it was not difficult to know the future of a community, noting that it could be predicted by the way the community nurtured and supported their youths.
“We want to encourage all our sons and daughters who are doing well in different fields of endeavour that Okposi will not forget them. We are ready to support all our children doing well,” he stated.
Also, President of Umuka Progressive Union (UPU), where Hannah hails from, Emenike Okorie, said it is heartwarming that despite her humble beginning, she has applied herself diligently.
He expressed optimism that as youth ambassador, the Commonwealth medalist will motivate other young persons in the community, as well as support the efforts of the leadership to tackle the menace of indulgence in drugs and delinquencies in the area.
Emenike, while pledging the unflinching support of the community to the sports woman, also expressed hopes that having won silver in the Commonwealth Games, she will win gold in her next major competition.
“Okposi is solidly behind you. As the ambassador, you are to help us in motivating other youths. Despite your humble beginnings, you have tried to excel, we need you to motivate other young persons,” the community leader stated.
For Mrs. Ngozi Okorie, a woman leader in the community, Hannah must “keep the flag flying”. She admonished the sportswoman to remain in touch with her people, so that she would be able to influence other youths positively with her achievement.
The immediate past deputy vice-chancellor, Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Alike-Ikwo (AE-FUNAI), Professor Philip Omoke, who also graced the event, said the Commonwealth medalist deserved all the honour bestowed on her.
In his charge to Hannah, Omoke said: “Just know that you represent first a community, before anything. You are a worthy ambassador. It is in our culture to celebrate anyone doing well.”
The event witnessed the presentation of souvenirs and cash gift to the athlete for being the first Okposi and, perhaps, Ebonyi State indigene to win a medal at the Commonwealth Games.
The Commonwealth medalist, who beamed with toothy smiles as she savored the accolades heaped on her by her people was full of appreciation.
“I am appreciative for this very honour. It is not easy for you to have taken out time to honour me,” an elated Hannah enthused.
The sportswoman’s excitement was understandable. Since her return from the Commonwealth Games, Okposi indigenes, in different parts of the country, have taken turns to host the 300-level student of the University of Port-Harcourt, in line with the community’s spirit of celebrating excellence.
