Abakaliki, Nigeria – Gov. Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi has rewarded Miss Blessing Ejifor, a player with the D’Tigress Basketball Team, with a state honour, N30 million and a house (a Duplex) at the Civil and Public Servant Estate.
Nwifuru announced the rewards on Friday at the EXCO chambers when he received Ejiofor, an indigene of the state and talented professional basketball player.
D’Tigress recently won their fifth consecutive AfroBasket which was celebrated as a historic achievement for the country.
Ejiofor is a centre player for D’Tigress with an impressive track record in international basketball.
A key figure in D’Tigress’ successes, Ejiofor has helped cement Nigeria’s dominance in African women’s basketball.
She honed her skills at Vanderbilt University, Chipola College, and West Virginia University, where she earned Academic All-Big 12 First Team honours.
Her professional career includees stints with clubs in Spain and France, and she represented Nigeria at the 2024 Women’s Olympic Basketball Tournament in Paris.
The governor rewarded her achievement with the prestigious award as member “Ebonyi hall of fame”, N30 million cash gift and a duplex.
He expressed satisfaction over her efforts and directed that N50 million would be released to the Commissioner for Youth Development and Sports, Mr Richard Idike, to build a standard basketball court.
He said that the court would enable younger basketball players train ahead of the next season.
“You are a great ambassador. Congratulations, Miss Blessing,” Nwifuru said.
