Soludo Orders Rehabilitation Of Homeless Ex-tennis Champion

Tanya Okpala 

Tanya Okpala (Fomer Tennis Champion) is now in the custody of the Anambra State Government

Tanya Okpala, a former professional tennis champion who was spotted wandering the streets of Awka in a viral video, has been taken into custody by the Anambra Government for rehabilitation.

The Anambra government's intervention was confirmed by Mrs. Ify Obinabo, Commissioner for Women and Children Affairs, to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday.

According to the commissioner, Okpala was taken off the streets on Sunday night.

According to Obinabo, the athlete was transferred to a rehabilitation facility where she was already getting medical care. 

She said that after hearing the lady's pitiful tale, Governor Chukwuma Soludo and his wife Nonye had promised to provide her with the best medical and psychological care possible to help her get back to her regular life.

“Yes, we have taken her to a rehabilitation centre; her case is a case of drug and frustration and from my interactions with her, she understands she is in a mess and wants to come out of it.

“She expressed sadness that she could not give her child the type of care she enjoyed under her own parents.

“Mr Governor and First Lady are particularly interested in this case and have promised to do anything possible to make her live a normal life again,” she said.

The Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) responded to the news by expressing gratitude for the Anambra government's prompt action to improve Okpala's situation.

According to Tony Nezianya, the NOC's public relations officer, Okpala was a long-time tennis champion.

Nezianya called the woman an asset to the country who should receive all the support she could get.

“The Olympic movement in Nigeria is deeply saddened by the plight of Tanya Okpala, but we are delighted that the Anambra government has taken charge of the situation," he said.

Speaking at the same time, Okpala's tutor at the time, Godwin Kienka, Director of the International Tennis Academy, described her as a bright young talent who competed and won in age group cadre before moving up to the senior level.

According to Kienka, Okpala, Jacquelyne Okwueze, and other students did so well that they were awarded scholarships to study in America. However, Okpala returned to Nigeria in 2007 because of problems with drugs.

“Tanya Okpalla was No 1 in the ladies singles ranking at some point and won several singles and doubles titles including the CBN Senior Championships.

“Jacquelyne Okwueze is her teammate; she is still in the US as a criminal lawyer.

“I am also grateful to the gentleman who shot the clip and brought her situation to national attention and also the Anambra government that has intervened," he said.