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
From Streets to Stardom: Unique Futbol Academy Scouting Program Inspires Ibadan’s Young Footballers
Ibadan is buzzing with excitement as the Unique Football Academy Scouting Program kicks off, bringing together top European football clubs and talented young Nigerian players.
The four-day program, which commenced on Monday, features a delegation of four directors from prominent European teams, including two from Kosovo and one from India, led by renowned football agent Diego Martins from Portugal.
The scouting program aims to identify and select outstanding players who will be given opportunities to showcase their skills in Europe.
Successful players will be offered the chance to take their careers to the next level, with the organizers assuring them of opportunities abroad.
According to the Director of the program and founder of Unique Football Academy, Mr. Jelil Oladimeji, this is not the first time the academy has organized such an event.
“This is the 4th edition, and we are proud of the progress and impact we have made so far in terms of exposing our raw talent to the European market,” he said.
The program has already proven successful, with several players from previous editions going on to excel in European leagues. Some notable examples include Haruna Saleh with PAOK in Greece and Praisegod Emersons in Slovakia.
As the program continues, clubs are gearing up to exhibit their talents, and the future looks bright for Nigeria’s young football stars.
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