Ugwuanyi honours Enugu-born paralympics gold medalist  

Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State has donated the sum of N1 million and a plot of land to Mrs. Lucy Ejike, an indigene of the state, who won a gold medal at the recent Paralympic Games held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The governor, who announced the gesture during the state’s Executive Council Meeting at the Government House, Enugu, where Ejike, her coach and nurse were honoured, described the athlete as an outstanding ambassador who has brought glory to Enugu State.

“You have made us proud and we are all proud of you. This is our token of appreciation to you,” he said, adding that her coach and nurse would each be given N500, 000 each.

Responding, a deeply-elated Ejike said: “This is my happiest day in life for my state to recognize me, to know that I am existing; to appreciate what I have been doing for 16 good years. I feel so happy today. I am very, very happy.”

Ejike, who was accompanied by her husband and child, also had some kind words for the governor, praying for God to bless him for his kindness. “My prayer for the governor is that God will give him life in abundance. He did it for me today and God will continue to bless him from generation to generation. He will never lack in this life,” said Ejike, an indigene of Ezeagu Local Government Area, in Enugu State.

Also speaking, the deputy governor, Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo, praised the governor for his immense contribution to sports development in the state, which, according to her, has been “taken to the next level”.