Popular journalist, public affairs commentator and sports lover, who follows the trend and developments in to the super-sport of Boxing in Nigeria, Africa and at the global arena, Mr. Uche Osunkwo, has deplored the uncaring attitude of the governmental authorities at various levels towards the helpless condition of the former African Heavyweight Boxing Champion, first National Sports Festival Heavyweight Boxing Trophy Winner and the defunct Eastern Region of Nigeria Heavyweight Boxing Belt Holder, Mr. Ngozika Ekwelum, who has been languishing in hardship, and now currently down with 'stroke.'
Mr. Osunkwo, who opened up on this while addressing his colleagues at their 2023 end of the year congress of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Anambra State Council, held in Awka, the state capital, explained that the boxing legend's condition is very well communicated to the concerned authorities, including the State's Directorate of Sports and Executive leadership, yet nothing is being done to assist the ailing and ageing hero of the state.
The veteran media personality expressed his disgust with the fact that despite the lip-service being paid to the welfare of our old heros and heroines by successive administrations, they are left in their various helpless conditions, in which several of them die.
Using the case of Ngozika Ekwelum as example, he stated that the concerned individuals and bodies fail to do the needful timely, only to express generous eulogies and regrets when the irreparable happens.
He pointed out the wrong in abandoning patriots who sacrificed so much, including their youth and active age, in the course of serving their fatherland in diverse ways, laying the blame more on people in public positions who betray their mandate and people's trust.
According to the respected pen-pusher, Ekwelum, the ex-champion, has since relocated from Awka, where he used to live, to his village, Enugwu-Abor Ufuma, Orumha North Local Government Area of Anambra State, following his inability to foot domestic bills and expenses.