In a heartwarming tale of redemption, the Anambra [/b]State Government has extended a lifeline to a former tennis star Tania Okpala after she was seen wandering the streets in a viral video.
The Anambra State Government has appointed rehabilitated tennis star, Tania Okpala, as Special Assistant to the Governor on Social Works in the state Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare.
This announcement was made by Dr. Nonye Soludo, wife of the state governor, at the Governor’s Lodge in Awka on Friday.
According to Dr. Soludo, Tania’s personal story of overcoming adversity will serve as a powerful tool to educate and inspire younger generations, while her expertise will be leveraged to drive social interventions and humanitarian efforts.
Just months ago, a viral video showed Tania wandering the streets of Awka, sparking widespread concern and prompting the state government to intervene.
The governor of Anambra state, Soludo who introduced the differently-looking Tania to her family revealed that she was rehabilitated in the finest rehabilitation center in the state and received optimum care.
He 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.
“We 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. Thanks to the Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike, who was consistently following up on her treatments and recovery.
“Though I wasn’t in the country at the time, I spoke with her often and made sure she got everything that she needed to be in the right shape. I arrived in Anambra State in the afternoon of February 23, 2024, and in the evening of that same day, I headed off to General Hospital, Awkuzu, where Tania was already recovering. We chatted, and I was impressed with the speed of her recovery.
“We took a list of other things that she needed, including books and sports gadgets, and I immediately asked my Personal Assistant to buy them that day. The next day, I asked that Tania join me in the Sunday Mass at the Governor’s Official Residence. Afterwards, we shared the dining table and chatted on a few things. She needed that motherly closure, and I was committed to supporting her through the whole recovery journey.
“After she was certified fit to leave by her private doctor, I thought of the best place to keep her so we don’t end up going back to the same old story. I got suggestions to get her a house, pay for the rent, as well as her caregiver. I wasn’t comfortable with that idea. I needed my eyes to be on her on a daily basis, and the only way to achieve that was to keep her close to me. So we got her an accommodation in one of the private staff quarters in the Governor’s Official Residence.
“Because of her love for lawn tennis, we enrolled her into a tennis club close to the governor’s residence, got her a coach, and all the gadgets needed for the sport. We felt that could help her recovery. We also got her personal psychologist who gave her routine counselling. While we were sure that she was back to her feet, we made arrangements for her admission into the university where she opted to study Psychology.”
“Today, I’m proud to say that Tania Okpala is back. God did it. We give Him all the glory. Having done our part as an administration that thinks humanity first and in fulfilment of the government’s pledge to see Tania through recovery and give her everything she needed to become a valuable addition, the Anambra State Government has decided to offer her an appointment as a Special Assistant to the Governor on Social 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.”
Joel Okpala, Tania’s father, his voice filled with gratitude and emotion, expressed his heartfelt appreciation to the state government for their unwavering support. He poignantly shared that Tania’s struggles began after the passing of her beloved mother, which left her devastated and lost.
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.”