- Former Rangers Secretary Joe-Martins Uzodike commends Anambra Governor Soludo for significant welfare package for ex-Rangers players
- Soludo’s initiative includes increased stipends, free medical care, and financial support, setting a precedent for prioritizing sports legends’ welfare
Former Secretary of Rangers International of Enugu, Joe-Martins Uzodike, has praised Anambra State Governor, Prof. Charles Soludo, for the significant welfare package provided for former players of one of Nigeria’s oldest football clubs.
Uzodike, who served as Secretary of Rangers from 1974 to 1984, lauded Soludo’s initiative during an interview with journalists in Awka on Thursday.
While acknowledging that the Enugu state government had previously supported the welfare of former Rangers players, Uzodike emphasized the unprecedented nature of the new package announced by Soludo during a courtesy visit by the veterans.
The former Rangers Secretary noted that the stipend would be provided to every ex-Rangers player regardless of their state of origin.
“I want to express my gratitude to Governor Chukwuma Soludo for not only granting my request for ex-Rangers to visit him but also for the remarkable welfare package he announced,” Uzodike stated.
“Soludo increased the monthly stipend for these legends from N15,000 to N100,000. Additionally, he announced free medical care for Anambra-born ex-players at the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital.
“He also presented about 75 ex-Rangers players with N200,000 each and a 50kg bag of rice as a token for their visit. This level of generosity is unprecedented, and I commend him for his kindness towards these great men.
“Rangers International symbolised East Central Nigeria after the civil war. These men brought joy to the people through their games and gave us a sense of identity,” he added.
Uzodike, a former Commissioner for Information and Culture in Anambra, urged other state governors to follow Soludo’s example of prioritizing the welfare of sports legends.
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