Tanya Okpala was once a shining star in the Nigerian tennis scene. Along with her sister Katya, she represented the country in several international tournaments in the 1990s. She was born to a Belarusian mother and an Igbo father, and grew up in the US, where she received the best of education.
But her life took a dark turn when she became addicted to crack cocaine, influenced by bad peers. She lost her mother to cancer, and her career to drugs. She returned to Nigeria, hoping to find solace in her father’s village, Nkpologwu, in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State.
However, she faced discrimination and hostility from the locals, who labelled her a prostitute and told her to go back to her country. She felt rejected and isolated and resorted to begging for alms on the streets of Awka, the state capital.
Her plight was captured in a viral video on social media, where she appealed for help and said she considered herself a black Igbo lady. She also revealed that she had a 6-year-old daughter, who was staying with her father in the village.
The video caught the attention of the Anambra State governor, Charles Soludo, who announced on Sunday that he had taken Tanya into custody. He wrote on X, a social media platform, that Tanya was with the Commissioner for Women Affairs, and that his wife had spoken to her on the phone.
He promised to ensure her rehabilitation and fruitful reunion with her daughter and family and his government would not forsake her and would provide her with the best treatment and support to enable her to bounce back.
The Women Affairs Commissioner, Ify Obinabo, confirmed that the ministry had swung into action after receiving a directive from the governor and his wife. She said that Tanya was assured of the state government’s commitment to her full recovery and re-integration into society.
Tanya’s story is a sad reminder of the dangers of drug abuse, and the need for compassion and empathy for those who are suffering. It also shows the power of social media to bring attention to the issues that affect the lives of many Nigerians. We hope that Tanya will overcome her challenges and find happiness and peace in her life.
