Gov Otti approves state burial for legendary boxer, Obisia Nwankpa, Dec 12
Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has announced that Olympian and former national boxing coach, Obisia Nwankpa, will be given a state burial on December 12, 2025. Meanwhile, the governor has Otti criticised the federal government for the failure to honour a man who spent more than four decades building Nigeria’s boxing legacy and winning […]
Abia State governor, Dr Alex Otti
Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has announced that Olympian and former national boxing coach, Obisia Nwankpa, will be given a state burial on December 12, 2025.
Meanwhile, the governor has Otti criticised the federal government for the failure to honour a man who spent more than four decades building Nigeria’s boxing legacy and winning international laurels for the country.
The Abia State Director of Sports, Obioma George, quoted the governor as saying “If the federal government can reject their own, I will not reject mine.”
George who addressed journalists in Calabar, venue of the week-long 2nd National Council on Sports meeting, expressed disappointment over the treatment meted out to the late boxing icon.
He reiterated that Governor Otti was deeply disturbed by the neglect suffered by Nwakpa, a former Commonwealth boxing champion who, he noted, contributed immensely to the sport’s development in Nigeria.
Describing the situation as “pathetic,” George lamented that the nation had once again failed to honour one of its sporting legends.
He confirmed that Governor Otti has not only approved a state funeral but has also authorized a financial support package for the family in addition to funds allocated for the burial.
“By the 12th of December, he will be laid to rest. The governor has given a clear-cut directive for Obisia’s burial,” George said.
Nwankpa, 75, died in June 2025 at a Lagos hospital after a prolonged illness that reportedly cost his family over N9 million.
Family members said they sought assistance from several federal agencies—including the National Boxing Federation, the National Sports Commission—but received no support.