By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, over the weekend gave directive for the payment of N100,000 monthly stipend to the 73 ex-Rangers International FC players.

He said the measure is the state government's way of assisting the players.

The Governor stated this when ex-players of Rangers International paid him a courtesy visit at the Governor's Lodge, Amawbia over the weekend.

He equally gifted the players with50kg bag of rice and N200,000 cash gift each.

Soludo further promised to help them with their medicals by registering them with the Anambra State Health Insurance Agency (ASHIA) so that they can access healthcare facilities at the Teaching Hospital, Amaku-Awka, free of cost.

He described the old Rangers players as living legends that deserve nothing short of celebration for making the Nigerian nation proud in their playing days

The Governor who was delighted to receive the ex-players also described Rangers Football club as part of the Nigerian identity, the pride of the people who galvanized and lifted the spirit of the people of the Eastern region after the civil war.

He relived the days when football was used to douse tension, saying that they used to watch with great delight and admiration when Rangers were playing with other clubs in his youthful days.

The Governor added: In tandem with a stanza in the nation's national anthem, the labours of the heroes past should not be allowed to be in vain.

"Aside from government assistance, the private sector and their respective communities can also help to ensure that such people who are beacons in the society, are not forgotten."

While promising to take the case of the ex-players for the Governors of the region to converse on how to encourage them, Soludo said that the living must be celebrated, even as he encouraged and assured them that the nation, especially the former East Central state, will never forget their efforts.

Earlier in his speech, the former Commissioner for Information, Chief Joe Martins Uzodike who led the players on the visit reminisced on the history of Rangers International immediately after the civil war, citing them as the pride of the East Central State.

The ex-players on their part expressed love and support for the Governor, praying that his second term bid will see the light of the day.

The likes of Emmanuel Okala, Christian Chukwu, among others were present during the visit, attended by Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr. Ernest Ezeajughi, Principal Secretary to the Governor, Barr. Joachin Anaeto, Chairman, Anambra State Sports Commission, Mr Patrick Onyedum among others.