The Anambra state governor, Charles Soludo, has announced the rescue of former Nigerian professional tennis player, Tanya Okpala, who was found roaming the streets aimlessly.
In a video that went viral on social media, Tanya was seen begging for alms on the streets of Anambra.
During a conversation with an unidentified man in the video, the tennis professional, also seen nursing a wound on her left leg, stated in Igbo language that she is a former lawn tennis player who has been abandoned.
She said that she has been mocked and labelled a prostitute by people in the area and had been asked to return to her country, but she considers herself an Igbo lady.
She, however, appealed for help, saying that she was planning to return to her village the next day to care for her daughter.
In a post via X on Monday, Soludo disclosed that Tanya is currently in the custody of the Anambra State Government.
Soludo stressed that he has directed the immediate rehabilitation and reintegration with her family.
He wrote, “Tanya Okpala (Fmr Tennis champion) is now in the custody of the Anambra State Government. She was with the Commissioner for Women Affairs when my wife spoke with her on the phone.
“My government will ensure her rehabilitation and fruitful reunion with her daughter and family.”