Sen.Oduah donates wheelchair, cash to Abana, bedridden ex-Rangers’ player

By Chimezie Anaso

Awka, Feb. 24, 2021

Kenneth Abana, a foundation player of Rangers International FC of Enugu has received a donation of wheelchair from Sen. Stella Oduah to enable him move around in his house.

Abana, popularly called ‘Magician’ for his great skill and strength during his playing days is currently confined to his bed and side chair due to a serious health challenge from his waist to his legs.

Sen. Stella Oduah, representing Anambra North Senatorial District at the National Assembly, also gave Abana cash (amount withheld) for his daily upkeep and medical needs.

Abana was joined by members of his family and kinsmen in Nri, Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra, to receive the gifts.

Odi Ikpeazu, Chairman of Ikpeazu Redoubtable FC, Onitsha, who made the presentation on behalf of the Senator said she was deeply touched when the veteran player’s medical condition was brought to her attention.

Ikpeazu described Abana as a football idol whom he had been watching on the field from childhood and who gave joy to the people and quickened the healing of the Civil War wounds, especially, in the South East.

He said such people deserved the best they could get from the society while they were alive and should not die regretting that their contributions to humanity were not appreciated.

He said that when the Ex-Rangers Chairman told him about Abana’s condition, he quickly contacted the Senator who swiftly responded with the donated items.

“Abana is a hero, I am particularly privileged to have been the one to make the presentation, he and his contemporaries played better and for humanity in their days.

“These are national treasures that should be supported by government. Most governors we have now were very young when the likes of Abana were playing football.

“On behalf of Sen. Oduah, I want to call on governors to look for these living legends and help them according to their needs,” he said.

Arthur Ebuna, Chairman of Ex-Rangers players in Anambra said, ‘Magician’ has been an inspiration to him and to the members of the football community who know him.

Ebuna said that he was worried that Abana after the burial of his teammate,Nwabueze Nwankwo, had been confined to bed due to ailment.

He said that the situation had led to bedsores and nurses were only coming to treat him.

“I was sad that Abana’s health had deteriorated this much that he could no longer move about. Nurses only come to dress the wounds and I started reaching out for assistance,” he said.

“So, on behalf of Ex-Rangers International players, I want to thank Sen. Oduah for her generosity because this wheelchair is exactly what ‘Magic’ wanted and I am happy that with the help of Oduah, the legend has smiled again, “ he said.

Abana who shed tears of joy thanked the benefactor and prayed for her protection.

He said that he was not expecting that such a good thing could come his way in his lifetime adding that being on a spot for four months had been hell for him.

He said he was still in need of medical assistance that could lead to the treatment of his ailment.