Abia State Governor Alex Otti, has announced employment for 15 athletes from the state who won gold and silver medals in international and national sporting competitions.
Otti who announced this at his residence in Nvosi, Isialangwa South LGA on Friday during a reception held for Abia athletes who participated in international and national competitions, congratulated them for making the state proud.
Describing the event as one of his happiest days in office, the governor emphasized that the reward would boost the morale of athletes, and also stop them from leaving the state to seek opportunities abroad.
“Since I assumed office, what I met was that there was an embargo on employment and I’ve maintained it but because of these our athletes that have done well, we don’t want them to japa either to abroad or to other states.
“I am going to lift that embargo to employ about fifteen of them,” he said.
Otti reiterated his administration’s abolition of the non-indigene distinction, stressing that anyone residing in Abia State is considered an Abian.
He announced a cash reward of N20 million for the two paralympic powerlifting international champions , Onyinyechi Gift Mark and Esther Nworgu, while other athletes will get a total of N33 million.
The coaching crew will receive a total of N22 million.
The governor promised to address infrastructural concerns raised by the athletes and also upgrade the Office of the Director of Sportsm
He assured them that a brand-new Coaster Bus would be delivered before the end of November.
The governor who also received former Super Eagles legend, Christian Chukwu, promised to support him by ensuring that he receives the best medical attention to restore his health.
