Nigeria Pro Wrestling Federation holds Press conference for the Asagba of Asaba pro wrestling championship of July 24th
Members of the Nigeria Pro Wrestling Federation gathered in the royal palace in Asaba, Nigeria today to hold a press conference regarding July 24th’s wrestling event to honor the Asagba of Asaba, Prof. Joseph Chike Edozien. The Council of chiefs of Asaba land in Delta state were already assembled in the palace as they had a meeting with Asagba before the timely press conference and award presentation.
The chiefs were called one by one to greet the Asagba as culture demands and they called "Ina Agu" thrice rotationally. “Ina Agu” translates to “male lion.”
NPWF President Chief John Uche (right) presents the Asagba of Asaba Prof. Joseph Chike Edozien with a plaque commemorating his status as the NPWF’s National Grand Patron
The Federation's president, Chief John Uche, also greeted the monarch and at the same time, the rest of the attendees gathered in the hall rose at once to greet the King, bending down and saying "Ina Agu" three times.
As a form of cultural heritage, the king prayed with kolanut, broke it to pieces and it was shared among the people in the hall while dry gin was also prayed on and interested parties drank out of it. Local Organizing Committee (LOC) chairman, Hon. Valentine Mokolo introduced the wrestling team and the LOC team present before asking the NWPF president to make his speech. President Uche made a speech, after which he presented an award to the Asagba as the National Grand Patron of NPWF with a certificate of office as the National Grand Patron to back it up.
The Federation's Publicity Director, Olusesan Olukoya, brought out the roll up banner featuring the the poster for the July 24th wrestling event that the Federation prepared and showcased it to all the seated dignitaries to see.
Asagba was full of appreciation which he did not hide. "Words are indeed not enough to express my sincere appreciation. Thanks for the great honour accorded to me and I really appreciate the kind gesture. I accept to host the championship in commemoration of my 97th birthday ceremony and my 30 years on the throne as a monarch" he stated.
"Sports, especially wrestling, has been part of me. I love it with a passion. Edozien's are well known in Nigerian sports, most especially in football. We are a sporting family and Asaba is a small but mighty town. We have made Asaba to appear on the world map through education and sport, which wrestling is. We really want to thank and appreciate you all for your time and I am indeed looking forward to this great event that should happen soon. We thank you and God bless," the Asagba concluded.
Votes of thanks were made by the palace secretary, double chief Patrick Ndili.
NPWF President Chief John Uche is interviewed by the press outside of the royal palace in Asaba
More details regarding the upcoming wrestling show for the Asagba of Asaba and the Local Organizing Committee that will help make it happen coming soon.
