Anambra govt rescues US-based tennis champion found wandering in Awka

The Anambra State government has rescued Ms. Tania Okpala, a US-based tennis champion found wandering in the streets of Awka, the state capital, over the weekend.

The Nigerian Tribune reported that Okpala, who looked distressed and unstable, was captured in a viral video by a good-spirited member of the public.

The said video prompted the quick response of the State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Ify Obinabo, to rescue, rehabilitate, and reunite her with her family following a directive from Governor Chukwuma Soludo and his wife, Mrs. Nonye Soludo.

Interacting with the victim over the phone, Mrs Soludo assured her that she would not be forsaken but would rather get the best treatment and rehabilitation to enable her to bounce back to life.

“The Anambra State government will not forsake you. You will definitely get the best treatment and rehabilitation, so you can bounce back.

“The government will also ensure your full recovery and reintegration into society.

Narrating her ordeal to the first lady, Okpala, a native of Nkpologwu in the Aguata local government area of the state, said she is a US-based tennis champion but became a crack cocaine addict due to bad peer influence.

She revealed she had the best education in and outside the country.

She further disclosed that she lost her mother, from Belarus to cancer a few years ago and had not been able to get over her demise since then.

While revealing that she has a 6-year-old daughter currently staying with her father in Nkpologwu, Okpala urged the governor’s wife to help her reunite with her daughter.

Meanwhile, the victim is currently receiving treatment at “At Peace Neuro Centre and Clinic” in Awka in fulfilment of the promise of Governor Chukwuma Soludo and his wife, Mrs. Nonye Soludo.

Okpala was taken to the clinic immediately after rescue, where treatment began

She is being attended to by Dr Casmir Nnaemeka after conducting a series of tests on her and dressing her wound before proceeding to administer professional care and medication.