Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has rewarded 15 Paralympic athletes with employment and cash gifts for winning gold and silver medals in both national and international competitions. The announcement was made during a reception held at the governor’s residence in Nvosi, Isialangwa South Local Government Area. The governor expressed his pride in the athletes and congratulated them for bringing honor to the state.

Governor Otti described the event as one of his happiest moments since becoming governor. He explained that the rewards are aimed at motivating the athletes and preventing them from leaving the state for better opportunities elsewhere. He emphasized that despite the employment freeze in the state, he decided to lift it to offer jobs to these exceptional athletes. “We don’t want them to leave for other states or move abroad,” Otti remarked.

Two international Paralympic powerlifting champions, Onyinyechi Gift Mark and Esther Nworgu, will receive N20 million, while other athletes will be rewarded with N33 million in total. In addition, the coaching staff will be given N22 million.

The governor also promised to address the infrastructure challenges raised by the athletes and said that the Office of the Director of Sports will be upgraded to better support the state’s sports sector. To ease transportation issues, he assured them that a new Coaster bus would be delivered by November.

In addition to supporting the athletes, Governor Otti welcomed former Super Eagles legend, Christian Chukwu, and promised to help him get the best medical treatment to improve his health.

Governor Otti’s gesture shows his commitment to rewarding excellence in sports and promoting the development of athletes in Abia State. The move not only helps the athletes financially but also strengthens their ties to the state.