Sports
Otu rehabilitates ex-Olympian, offers immediate employment
Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Edet Out, has taken steps for the rehabilitation of ex-Olympian, Etim “Ironbar” Bassey, who has been living on the streets of Lagos for several years.
The Governor, who met with the medal-winning athlete with some state officials led by the Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, at the temporary Governor’s Office in Calabar, Tuesday, said he was touched by the dire straits in which Bassey has found himself and as a citizen that has contributed to putting the state and Nigeria on the sports map, globally, it was the right thing to do.
“I am touched by the situation you (Ironbar) has found yourself and it is the right thing to bring you back home and get you something to do. What matters now is the legacy you have created. So, forget all that you have gone through and look to the future and this administration is here to see you back and to contribute to sports development in our state.
“We will rehabilitate you. You are to see the Commissioner of Sports for immediate employment where you find fit so that you can be meaningfully engaged. I wish you the best,” the governor said.
Speaking earlier, Speaker Ayambem said after a resolution by the State Assembly, he led a team to Lagos where they located “Ironbar” and persuaded him to return home as directed by Governor Otu.
The Speaker was full of commendation for the governor for always putting the people first and expressed the confidence that with the exemplary conduct by Governor Otu, many more abandoned athletes will be found by their respective states and duly recognized.
Speaking on the development, Ironbar expressed his gratitude to the government and could not contain his joy at being “found and given another opportunity at dignity and recognition.”
Bassey, popularly known as Ironbar, first came into the limelight as a weightlifter at the 1981 Lagos Sports Festival where he won a Gold Medal and won another gold at the National Festival Sports in Benin City that same year.
He will go on to compete in the African Weightlifting Championships in Port Saeed, Egypt, and won three Gold Medals. His reputation will be cemented at the 1982 Commonwealth Games where he won a Bronze Medal.
However, fate had other plans for him at the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles where he tore a muscle and his participation and medal hope was cut short.
He will spend all on medical bills and with no help in sight, Ironbar turned to filling potholes, directing traffic, and generally keeping maintenance of roads around the Ajah area in Lagos until the intervention of the state government.
Sports
Lagos State Sports Commission, Abbey Rangers FC Seal Groundbreaking Partnership for Grassroots Football Development
The Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC) has unveiled a groundbreaking partnership with Abbey Rangers Football Club, a renowned community football institution in the United Kingdom, marking a new era in grassroots football development in Nigeria.
Under this strategic alliance, Abbey Rangers FC will collaborate with the Lagos State Sports Commission to implement a robust seven-pillar framework focused on:
talent development, coaching enhancement, sports science, community engagement, policy support, resource mobilization, and infrastructure growth.
The partnership is a first of its kind between Nigeria and a UK-based community football club and aims to create a sustainable, inclusive, and globally competitive football ecosystem in Lagos State. It promises to unlock new international opportunities for young athletes and coaches, offering pathways for advanced training, mentorship, and global exposure.
Speaking at the official unveiling, Director General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Mr. Lekan Fatodu, described the partnership as “a landmark step in Lagos’ mission to build a sustainable and inclusive sports ecosystem.”
“This collaboration represents a deliberate effort to connect Lagos with global best practices in grassroots football development,” Fatodu stated.
“Abbey Rangers brings proven expertise and community-driven values that align with our vision to nurture world-class talent and position Lagos as a continental hub for youth sports excellence.”
In his remarks, Abbey Rangers Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Nick Riley, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, noting that it reflects the club’s long-standing commitment to community-driven sports development.
“We are proud to partner with Lagos State on this visionary initiative,” Riley said.
“Abbey Rangers has always believed that community football is a powerful tool for development, inclusion, and opportunity. This collaboration allows us to share our grassroots model and experience with one of Africa’s most dynamic cities.”
The LSSC–Abbey Rangers partnership is a reflection of Lagos State’s strategic commitment to developing the next generation of football talent through international collaboration, innovation, and community-based sports programs. It also reaffirms the Commission’s leadership in driving sports diplomacy and youth empowerment across Africa.
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