By Sobenna Nwagbo

Nigeria’s four-time para-powerlifting world gold medallist, Mrs Ndidi Nwosu had been laid to rest at her Umuagbada, Umuoba,  Eziachi Orlu, home in Imo State .

Speaking at the funeral of the  late sports ambassador,  the wife of the president and grand patron ,  Nigeria  Para  Powerlifting Federation,   Hajia (Dr) Aisha Buhari,  who was represented by the Deputy Governor of Enugu State and Matron of the Nigeria Para Powerlifting Federation,  Hon. (Mrs)  Cecilia Ezeilo, expressed shock over the death of the late sports ambassador, Mrs Ndidi  Nwosu .

She said that through her Non-Governmental organization, she will carter for the late Ndidi’s two children.” The two children will be properly taken care of. 

 Hajia Buhari described, Ndidi as a “great Nigerian”, saying, “She came, represented Nigeria in international Para-powerlifting championships and came home with  medals.” The wife of the president prayed God to grant Ndidi eternal rest.

In her funeral oration, the Deputy Governor of Enugu State and matron, Nigeria Para Powerlifting Federation, Hon. (Mrs)  Cecilia Ezeilo said she was grief over the death of Ndidi. She said she was touched by her death.

Hon (Mrs) Ezeilo gave the assurance that the two children Ndidi left behind  would  be trained properly. “Am only asking God to console her mother  and take care  of her children  and family.  I don’t   know what  to say again.  I am very sad. Am heartbroken “, she said.

She commended the wife of the president,  Hajia (Dr)  Aisha Buhari  for her support and for agreeing to take care of Ndidi ‘s children through her pet project.

The Deputy Governor also commended the Imo State governor, Senator Hope Uzodinna for his support. She thanked the governor of Enugu State, Rt. Hon (Dr)  Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi  for his tireless support to the Nigeria Para Powerlifting Federation and to the late Ndidi  Nwosu ‘s family, especially  for accepting to be part of the proposed Ndidi  Nwosu  Foundation

She also thanked the former President of the Nigeria Para Powerlifting Federation, Miss Queen Idris Uboh  for her enormous  support  to Ndidi, “despite the fact  that she is in Canada”.

Speaking at the event, Imo state governor,  Senator Hope Uzodinma,  who was represented by  the Director of Sports , Imo State  sports  commission,  Mrs Chizobam  Anetola,  described the late  Ndidi ‘s death as “unfortunate “

.”There is time for everything.  Today is Ndidi’s, she is no more. To the sports family, it is unfortunate, but who are we to question God? , he asked.

The governor went on to say, “Ndidi studied Accounting, but sports brought her to limelight. The government of Imo State was very much aware of her death because  a letter was written. Ndidi ‘s name will never be forgotten.

As far as Senator Uzodinma is in office,  Ndidi ‘s name will not be forgotten”, he assured.

“Nobody knows that Ndidi   was not a staff of the Nigeria sports commission She was  an Audit staff but sports brought her to limelight “”, Uzodinma said.

The governor thanked the Audit office for releasing Ndidi. “If not that she was released, nobody would have known  Ndidi.  Ndidi’s achievements will never be forgotten, “he said.

On his part, former President of the Nigeria Para Powerlifting federation,  Miss Queen Idris , represented by Mr Frank Ossai,  described the  late sports icon,  Ndidi  ,as a virtuous woman.  “The news of her death was shocking to the sports world We love you all, we love the family  and we pray that our sister rest in peace”, she said.

In their tribute,  the Nigeria Para Powerlifting Federation,  represented by Nneji  Victoria,  MON,  in tears said,”  We have lost a sister,  a mother,  a goal getter,  We shall never forget her sense of humour. She was a woman with passion. Ndidi dedicated her life to sports .She came for trials in Ogun and that’s where she came to limelight.

“Ndidi  won medals in Nigeria,  Africa and the world.  She is extraordinary,  , a friend,  a sister,  a woman of faith,  respectful. Ndidi  was real,  a lovely mother to her children,  her husband  and she laid a  good foundation  for her children.  Never would she be forgotten by those who were opportune to know her , ” she said.

In a sermon, the officiating minister, Rev  Dr  Austin Uchegbu described Ndidi as a heroine.  “We are here to celebrate a heroine. To some, they saw her as physically challenged  but she worked more than the physically healthy. She has been  able to  build a house as a physically challenged and for me it’s  not how old you are or physically  built. “

Drawing the reading from Revelation 14:11-16, Reverend Ukaegbu said that “Everyman will die and what matters is where one will go after death”. He urged people to turn away from evil and do good, and accept Jesus as their savour.  “Blessed are those that died in Lord for their blessings will be from the Lord,” he said.

Others who spoke at the event were her family  members (both sides)  They thanked the governor of Enugu State, Rt. Hon.(Dr) Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi,  the Deputy Governor,  Hon. (Mrs)  Cecilia Ezeilo  who was present at the event, the wife of the president, Hajia (Dr) Aisha Buhari  for her support,  the governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodima and others who stood by them.

They appealed that a foundation be set up in honour of the late Nigerian sports heroine.

 Ndidi who died on May 18Th 2020, was married to Mr Ik Nwosu  and had two children, Ebube and  Kosi.

Highlight was a demonstration of para powerlifting by members of the Nigeria Para-powerlifting Federation,  to pay last respect to their late member, Mrs Ndidi  Nwosu.