Anambra Offers Appointment To Rehabilitated Tennis Star, Tania Okpala

Anambra offers appointment to rehabilitated Tennis star, Tania Okpala

The Anambra State Government has offered the rehabilitated Tennis star, Tania Okpala, an immediate appointment as a Special Assistant to the Governor on Social Works in the state Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare.

The wife of the state governor, Dr Nonye Soludo, disclosed this to journalists at the Governor’s Lodge in Awka, on Friday, adding that Tania is expected to use her life’s story to educate the younger ones and offer her best to social interventions and helping humanity.

Tania was seen in a viral video that circulated on social media in January roaming and wandering the streets of Awka and her deplorable condition captured the attention of the state government and other Nigerians a former tennis champion.

After the video went viral, Tania was thereafter taken to a rehabilitation centre by the state government through the state Ministry of Women and Social Welfare.

Speaking while presenting the new-look Tania to her family members in the presence of her father, Joel Okpala, Soludo stated that the state government made arrangements for the best rehabilitation facility in the state, moved her there and made sure she received the optimum care in a private ward.

Soludo said, “I’m super grateful to God for today. Around six months ago, precisely on January 28, 2024, when I came across the viral amateur video of Tania Okpala on social media, I immediately called the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Ify Obinabo, to search for her and began immediate processes for her rehabilitation. I took a passionate interest in Tania’s case because I saw a pretty woman in need of help.

I saw a resilient soul clamouring for dire assistance. At that moment, I discussed it with my husband, Mr Governor, and we came to an agreement that the government would cater to Tania’s rehabilitation and onward integration into a fresh society.

Works.

“She will work with the Ministry of Women’s Affairs and Social Welfare and will use her life story to educate the younger ones and offer her best to social interventions and helping humanity.

“We’re motivated by Tania’s energy and zeal. Personally, I admire her intelligence and positive approach to things. I strongly believe that she can use that to bring great impact to this new task.

“As we hand her over to her family, it is our firm belief that she will use her story to redefine the world around her. I have no doubt about that as I wish this beautiful woman all the best. Thank you all, and may God bless you.”

Tania’s father, Joel, while appreciating the kind gestures of the state government, said his daughter became devastated and started wandering about shortly after her mother passed away.

He said, “Tania loved her mother so much that when the mother died, it dealt a heavy blow to her. We thank the Anambra State government for what they have done in rehabilitating her and bringing her back to life.”