The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) Anambra Chapter has commended the State Government for timely intervention in the case of Tania Okpala, a former national youth Tennis champion.
Ms Okpala was based in the United States of America where she got scholarship to study as a result of exceptional performance in Tennis during her heyday before returning to Nigeria.
Recall that Okpala got public attention after she appeared in a viral video wandering the streets of Awka, the Anambra capital where she appeared unkempt and in need of psychological and medical assistance.
She was confirmed to be mentally unstable rising from narcotic related complications.
SWAN Anambra Chapter in a Statement signed by Chimezie Anaso and Ikenna Nwokedi, Chairman and Secretary respectively on Sunday thanked Prof Chukwuma Soludo, governor of the state and his wife Nonye for their interest and intervention towards rehabilitation of Tanya.
“SWAN is glad that the Mkpologwu-born former Tennis star had been admitted in a medical facility where she is receiving the necessary attention at the instance of the Anambra government.
“It is our wish and prayer that Tanya recovers soon and be integrated back into the society,” the statement said.
The association noted that there were many Okpalas in various corners of Anambra and called on the state government to extend similar gestures as a demonstration of Soludo’s love for sports.
It said some of these men and women who through their participation in active sports flew the state’s flag at the national and international stages were in sorry state owing to poverty, bad state of health, with some bedridden and in need of urgent support..
SWAN said those it wished to draw the attention of the government to were:.
“Kenneth Abana, also known as ‘Magic’ a foundation member of Rangers Int’l FC, he was confined to a wheelchair for years before losing one of his legs to amputation in 2023
“Ngozika Ekwelum, a Commonwealth Heavyweight Boxing Champion and cich for many years before surrendering the game to face his battle with cancer.
“Benson Udeh, an Obosi based grassroot and coach of state gymnastics team.
“Udeh has been bedridden since 2016 following the road accident he sustained while leading Aguluezechukwu Secondary School football team to Rojenny Stadium for the Final of the Academical Cup against Isuanocha Community School team.
“Paul Obiako, a former Rangers Int’l FC goalkeeper who needs attention for his heart related challenge as well as Jideofor Ofia(Chainsilo) a grassroots football coach and player manager who is down with an undisclosed illness.
“We call on the sports loving governor to investigate and extend the Okpala gesture to these persons.
“As stakeholders in the sports sector, SWAN pledges to work with the government for the over success of the sector,” it said.
