Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has announced immediate employment for 15 athletes who won Gold and Silver Medals in International and National Sporting Competitions.
Otti, who made the announcement at his residence in Nvosi, Isialangwa South Local Government Area, during a reception held for Abia’s victorious athletes from both international and national competitions, congratulated the athletes for making the State proud.
The event also honoured Gold and Silver Medalists from the recently concluded Paralympics, along with their coaching crew.
While describing the event as one of his happiest days in Office, the governor emphasized that the move is aimed at boosting the morale of athletes and retaining talent as well as preventing them from leaving the state to seek opportunities abroad and in other states.
Otti said,“Since I assumed office, what I met 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 abroad or to other states.”
“I am going to lift that embargo to employ about fifteen of them and reinstate it back.”
He also announced a cash reward of N20 million for the two Paralympic powerlifting international Champions of Abia origin, Onyinyechi Gift Mark and Esther Nworgu, commended them for their exceptional performance, noting that “With determination, nothing is impossible.”
The governor further announced that other athletes will receive the sum of N33m while their coaching crew will receive N22m
Otti further promised to address infrastructural concerns raised by the athletes, including the maintenance of the stadium, enhancing their working conditions and upgrading the office of the Director of Sports.
He added that a brand-new Coaster Bus for the team and an official car for the Director of Sports would be delivered before the end of November.
