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A Military Award for Paratrooper, Ibusa's Col Emmanuel 'Animal' Nzekwue (retd)

 A Military Award for Paratrooper, Ibusa's Col Emmanuel 'Animal' Nzekwue (retd)



By Emeka Esogbue


For his services and contributions to the Nigerian Military, the Nigerian Army recently honoured Obi Col Emmanuel 'Animal' Nzekwue with an award. 


Obi Col Emmanuel Nzekwue, a retired Nigerian Army Officer from Ibusa was later awarded a plaque. 


The officer, Obi (Col) Nzekwu (retd) is noted for his gallantry in military expeditions. Historian, Dr. Anthony Nwaezeigwe, Nzekwue's community kinsman claimed that Col Nzekwue, the man fondly called "Animal Power," is the best and highest paratroop jumper in Africa but it is likely judging from the efforts recorded by the retired Nigerian brave soldier. 


Writing in Anioma Watch, a forum of Anioma people, at home and in the Diaspora, a copy he later sent to PEN MASTER after the award conferred on him, Izu Anioma Activist, Philip Elueme stated that Nzekwue made 4,760 successful daredevil plunges or drops from the sky, a rare gem for military officers. 


"He told me that presently he has 'dropped/fallen out of the plane, sometimes falling from between astronomical heights of 30,000 to 100, 000 feet, for 4,760 times, (four thousand, seven hundred and seventy-six times), the highest number by any African army paratrooper currently," Elueme further told his readers.


"He told me that when he jumped at 100,00 feet above sea level, he fell into the ocean in Miami, United States of America in the year, 1982."


Athletically, the distinguished Colonel was in his hey days at St. Anthony Secondary School, Ubulu-Uku, a marathoner who covered long distances in record time. It was here, he earned the name, "Animal Power."


Obi Col Nzekwue has also reported that while he was in Miami, USA, it was usual for him to jump about three times a day. Thus, he made so much money when other army paratroopers sustained an average jump of three to four in a week.


Despite his uneventful retirement from the Nigerian Army, Obi Col Emmanuel Nzekwue (retd) is deserving of a national award as some of his kinsmen canvass. 


The ancient Ibusa community is noted for the greater number of wars carried to enemy territories by her mercenaries. 


In modern times, she has produced a good number of brilliant and gallant soldiers, all of who were with the Nigerian Military. Very many of them also fought on the side of the defunct Biafra. 


The community has produced the nation's Chief of Naval Staff in the person of Admiral Joseph Dele Ezeoba (retd). 

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