By Christian ABURIME
Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR says the old Rangers players are living legend who deserves nothing short of celebration for making the Nigerian nation proud in their playing days
Governor Soludo made the assertion when some of the players paid him a courtesy visit at the Governor's Lodge, Amawbia.
The Governor who was delighted to receive the ex-players described Rangers Football club as part of the Nigerian identity, the pride of the people who galvanized and lifted the spirit of the people of the Eastern region after the civil war.
The Governor relived the days when football was used to douse tension, saying that in his youthful days they watched with great delight and admiration when Rangers were playing with other clubs. He emphasized that in tandem with a stanza in the nation's national anthem, the labours of the heroes past should not be allowed to be in vain.
To give expression to this, the Governor directed that each of the 73 ex-players be placed on a one hundred thousand naira monthly stipends as a way of assisting them by the State government. He equally gave a 50kg bag of rice and N200,000 cash gift each to the ex-players
He promised to help them with their medicals by registering them with the Anambra State Health Insurance Agency (ASHIA) so that they can access healthcare facilities at the Teaching Hospital, Amaku-Awka, free of cost.
He reiterated that aside from government assistance, the private sector and their respective communities can also help to ensure that such people who are beacons in the society, are not forgotten.
Governor Soludo also promised to take the case of the ex-players for the Governors of the region to converse on how to encourage them. The Governor emphasized that the living must be celebrated as he encouraged and assured them that the nation, especially the former East Central state, will never forget their efforts.
Earlier, the former Commissioner for Information, Chief Joe Martins Uzodike who led the players, traced the history of Rangers immediately after the war, stating that they were the pride of the East Central State.
The group expressed love and support for the Governor, praying that his second term bid will see the light of the day.
The likes of Emmanuel Okala, Christian Chukwu, among others were present during the visit, attended by Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr. Ernest Ezeajughi, Principal Secretary to the Governor, Barr. Joachin Anaeto, Chairman, Anambra State Sports Commission, Mr Patrick Onyedum, among others.