Tanya Okpala: SWAN Lauds, Anambra Gov’t, Makes Case For Abana, Udeh, Obiako
The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) Anambra Chapter has commended the State Government for timely intervention in the case of Tanya Okpala, a former national youth Tennis champion.
SWAN Anambra Chapter in a Statement signed by Chimezie Anaso and Ikenna Nwokedi, Chairman and Secretary respectively
The body thanked Chukwuma Soludo, governor of the state and his wife Nonye for their interest and intervention towards rehabilitation of Tanya.
Okpala was based in the United States of America where she got a scholarship to study as a result of exceptional performance in Tennis during her heyday.
Okpala got public attention after she appeared in a viral video wandering the streets of Awka, the Anambra capital where appeared unkempt and in need of psychological and medical assistance.
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She was confirmed to be mentally unstable arising from narcotic related complicated
SWAN expressed satisfaction that the Mkpologu-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.
SWAN noted that there were many Okpala in various corners of Anambra and called on the state government to extend similar gestures to them.
It said some of these men who through their participation in active sports flew the state’s flag at the national and international stages were in a sorry state owing to poverty, bad 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, was confined to a wheelchair for years before losing one of his legs to amputation.
“Ngozika Ekwelum, a Commonwealth Heavyweight Boxing Champion and coach for many years before surrounding the game to face his battle with cancer.
“Benson Udeh, an Obosi based grassroot and coach of sbamb 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 our amiable and sports loving governor to investigate and extend the Okpala gesture to these people.
“As stakeholders in the sports sector, SWAN pledges to work with the government for the over success of the sector,” it said.
