Abana, Ailing Ex Rangers Hero Gets Wheelchair, Cash Gifts
Kenneth Abana, a foundation player of Rangers International of Enugu has received a donation of wheelchair to enable him move around in his house.
Abana popularly called ‘Magician’ for his great skill and strength during his playing days is currently confined to his bed and side chair due to serious health challenge from his waist to his legs.
The wheelchair was donated to him by Stella Oduah, Senator representing Anambra North Senatorial District in the National Assembly.
Oduah also gave him cash (amount withheld) to take care of his daily upkeep and medical needs.
Abana was joined by members of his family and kinsmen in Nri, Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra to receive the gifts.
Odi Ikpeazu, Chairman of Ikpeazu Redoubtable FC, Onitsha who made the presentation on behalf of the Senator said she was deeply touched when the veteran players medical condition was brought to her attentions.
Ikpeazu described Abana as a football idol whom he had watched from childhood who gave joy to the people and quickened the healing of civil war wounds especially in the South East.
He said such people deserved the best they could get from the society while they were alive and should not to die regretting that their contributions to humanity were not appreciated.
He said when the Ex Rangers Chairman told him about Abana’s condition, he quickly contacted the Senator who swiftly responded with the donated items.
“Abana is a hero, I am particularly privileged to have been the one to make the presentation, he and his contemporaries played better than boys of theses days but they played for humanity.
“These are national treasures that should be supported by government, most governors we have now were very young when the likes of Abana were playing .
“On behalf of Sen. Oduah, I want to call on governors to look for these living legends and help them according to their need,” he said.
Arthur Ebuna, Chairman of Ex Rangers players in Anambra said ‘Magician’ was an inspiration to him and members of football community who knew him.
Ebunam said he was worried that Abana after the burial of his teammate Nwabueze Nwankwo and realised that he had been confined to bed due to ailments.
He said the situation had led to bedsores and nurses were only coming to treat him.
I was said that Abana’s health has deteriorated this much that he no longer move about, nurses only come to dress the wounds but I said no and started reaching out for assistance.
“So on behalf of Ex Rangers players, I want to thank Sen. Oduah for her generosity because this wheelchair was exactly what ‘Magic’ wanted and I am happy that with the hell of Odi the legend has smiled again, “ he said.
Abana who shed tears of joy thanked the benefactor and prayed for her protection.
He said he was not expecting that such good thing could come his way in his lifetime adding that being on a spot for four months had been hell for him.
