IBUSA ANNUAL TRADITIONAL WRESTLING COMPETITION: A CELEBRATION OF CULTURE, UNITY AND STRENGTH

IBUSA, 04-09-2025: The 2025 edition of the annual traditional wrestling competition, popularly known as “Mgba”, held today at the traditional wrestling ground, Uku-Oma, in Ibusa with remarkable success, reaffirming its place as one of the town’s most cherished cultural festivals.

This year’s event was organized by Otu-Okwulagwe Ibusa under the leadership of Hon. Patrick Nwankwo, and the event drew together indigenes and visitors in a vibrant display of tradition, strength, and community spirit.

The distinguished presence of His Royal Majesty, Obi (Prof.) Louis C. Nwoboshi, the Obuzor of Ibusa; His Eminence, High Chief Celestine Okafor, the Ikwele of Ibusa; Hon. Chief Innocent Esewezie, Ugonwa Ibusa and Executive Chairman of Oshimili North Local Government Area; alongside other notable dignitaries, further emphasized the cultural importance and enduring relevance of the festival.

Declaring the event open, the Obuzor of Ibusa praised the Otu-Okwulagwe youth body for their dedication to preserving the wrestling tradition, which has for generations symbolized courage, unity, and discipline among the Ibusa people. He urged the youth to continue upholding such practices that strengthen communal bonds and sustain the heritage of the land.

The arena, though charged by the wrestlers slugging it out in bouts, had a lively atmosphere enhanced by rhythmic drumming, traditional songs, and cheers from an enthusiastic crowd who gathered in large numbers to witness the spectacle.

The Mgba festival once again proved to be more than just a contest of strength; it was a celebration of heritage, togetherness, and the enduring cultural pride of the Ibusa people.