Miebi Senge
11 October 2008
As they walked into the Canal, (Vanguard's eatery) everyone turned in their direction. Their physical presence command immediate attention and respect. But these men of muscle demand more than mere mortals' attention, they want the government and corporate world to look in their direction as football and other sports.
The trio of Sunday 'Bullet' Usuwa, David Ekpe and Christopher Madogwu, belong to the world of Body Building and they are very proud of their profession. "The first impression I want to correct is that we are bouncers or thugs, as most people see us,"Bullet who is the current champion of the 'Strongest Man in Nigeria championship said.
He has won the competition since 1999 and believes the corporate world has not treated the sport fairly. "Multichoice sponsored the competition for three years from 1999 to 2001, but ever since they stopped we have managed it ourselves without sponsorship or support and it is not so easy".
Stating his credentials in the world of strong men, Bullet who is also a pro-wrestling and power lifting champion said the corporate world in Nigeria and the government need to take their eyes off football a little bit and look at other lesser sports. "Look, I am also the Super Heavyweight champion in Pro-wrestling and power lifting. In the pro-wrestling arena I am known as 'Red Scorpion' and I think I have done enough to command some attention", he said.
What does it take to become the Strongest Man in Nigeria? He showed his muscles and said: "It takes more than just muscles". To become the strongest man champion, Bullet turned a 504 Peugeot salon car upside down. He pulled a stretch Hummer Jeep with eight men sited inside and made a 100 metres (50-50 to and fro) Farmers Walk in two minutes and 35 seconds and many more.
"If you have been watching the American competition on television, then you would know what I am talking about that it is not very easy to become a Strongman champion. There are about 10 events in all and you have to be in your very best elements to become the strongest man champion".
Without corporate sponsorship for their sport, these men have to look alternative ways of making ends meet, and it is this process of finding means of taking care of their families that turned most of them to become bouncers or private bodyguards.
Bodyguards or Bouncers "We have to make ends meet by engaging in some useful ventures and that turn many of us to become bodyguards. But that does not in anyway mean we are thugs or bouncers. We are responsible citizens of this great country. All we want is respect and recognition so that we can also contribute our quota to national development,"Bullet said.
Bullet also expressed his gratitude to his current employers, the Silverbird Galleria in Victoria Island, Lagos where he works as a Bodyguard. "I thank the management of Silverbird Galleria for thier support so far. Their support has been fantastic and it gives me hope to live on. I really appreciate their understanding. I appreciate them because they have done so much to enhance my personality not necessarily as a Bodyguard, but as a responsible staff of the organisation."
Ekpe, who is billed to travel to Paris, France in November for the forthcoming World Class Bodybuilding Championships joined the discussion at this point. "We can achieve a lot for this country just like any other sports. I missed the 2007 edition of the competition held in Seoul, Korea because of lack of sponsorship and this year's edition is just around the corner.
I would be the first Nigerian to compete at this level of the competition, but first, I need corporate sponsors."
Ekpe winner of the 4TH Nigerian Amateur Body Building Championships held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom state on 19-20 September believes there is a lot the country would gain by his participation. "Body builders can win gold medals for the country. Going to Paris is not for jamboree, but rather I am going there to compete against other strong men and hopes to win laurels for this country. I have already won the Nigerian edition back-to-back (2007 & 2008) but now I need to go outside and compete with others to prove my stuff," Ekpe said.
He also appealed to the governor of Cross River state, Senator Liyel Imoke, to come to his assistance in the absence of corporate sponsorship. "I am from Cross River state and that is why I am also using this opportunity to appeal to the governor to come to my aid. I believe my victory in Paris would not be for me alone, but also to Cross River state and the nation at-large."
"I think there is a lot Nigeria can gain from encouraging Strongman competition and Body Building profession. You just look at how America is turning its youths to become useful citizens in every walks of life. We must do something to encourage every youth of this country and not wait till something goes wrong and then start blaming us for every woes," Madogwu, who is the coach of the duo said.
Madogwu noted that Nigeria has the potentials to become a leader in every field of human endeavour. "There is nothing we cannot do if we put our minds to it. There is huge potentials in this country. The government must make definite policy on youth development and enhancement. We would continue to train, but after the training what next? We must put our talents to use and to do this, we require both corporate and government support."
As they stood up to go, they each took turns to shook my hand and I just felt my arm sank into their palms.
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