By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

The wife of Anambra State Governor, Mrs Nonye Soludo on Friday announced the appointment of former tennis star Tania Okpala as a Special Assistant to Governor Chukwuma Soludo on Social Works under the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare.

Disclosing this at the Governor's Lodge, Amawbia, while giving the latest update on Okpala's full recovery journey, the governor's wife said that the appointment would give her the opportunity to use her story to redefine the world around her and bring valuable impact to the lives of young people, especially women and children.

Recall that six months ago, the ex-tennis star's viral video where she was seen wandering the club road area of the state was seen by the Mrs Soludo who immediately called the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare to bring her in for immediate rehabilitation.

On the heels of that, the state government pledged to support her full recovery and ensure that she got everything she needed to become a valuable addition to the society.

Addressing journalists at the Governor's Lodge, Mrs. Soludo explained that Okpala's recovery was fully taken care of by the state government, describing her survival as a miraculous story that would be used to inspire humanity.

She added: "Apart from living in a private staff quarters in the Governor's Official Residence, Tania has also been enrolled in the university where she is currently studying Psychology at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.

"The state government will continue to monitor her behaviours and education through the family. I am sure she would make the best use of the opportunities that have been given."

Commending the governor's wife, the ex-tennis star's father, Mr Joel Okpala, said that the State Government has made massive impact on his daughter's life.

According to him, the family had tried so many unconventional methods to get her back to normalcy.

He thanked Mrs. Soludo for taking up the sacrifice of bringing his daughter back to full recovery and added that the family would remain ever grateful to her.

On her part, Tania, who spoke about taking up the new task, said that she will take everything one step at a time, saying that she had always looked out for an opportunity to serve Anambra State.

She thanked the governor's wife for taking her in as her own daughter and for staying committed to her welfare all through the recovery period.

Over the last six months that Ms Okpala was discovered at Club Road, Mrs. Soludo's had taken full care while she undergoes her psychological appointments and lawn tennis classes.

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