Calabar – Cross River State House of Assembly Speaker, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, has played a pivotal role in the return and rehabilitation of Ironbar Bassey, a former gold Olympian who had been neglected and faced hardships after suffering an injury during the Olympic Games. Bassey, born in Cross River State in 1965, represented Nigeria in weightlifting but had struggled to make ends meet in Lagos NEGROIDHAVEN has confirmed.
Ayambem, a strong advocate for not neglecting individuals on life’s journey, expressed his satisfaction in bringing Bassey back to Calabar. This effort was undertaken at the behest of Governor Bassey Otu, who tasked Ayambem with facilitating Bassey’s return to Cross River State.
The initiative to rehabilitate and relocate Ironbar Bassey was set in motion on August 29, 2023, when the Cross River State House of Assembly passed a motion, led by Rt. Hon. Davies Attah, requesting the State Government to take immediate action. The motion received unanimous support, reflecting the urgency of assisting Bassey, who had faced significant challenges, especially in sports.
Governor Otu promptly approved the resolution and delegated Speaker Ayambem, along with other officials, to coordinate Bassey’s return and rehabilitation.
During their visit to Lagos State, Bassey was assured of Governor Otu’s commitment to his rehabilitation, empowerment, and reintegration into society, with a special focus on the sports sector. Speaker Ayambem commended Governor Otu for his swift approval of Bassey’s rehabilitation.
Accompanying Speaker Ayambem on this mission were Cross River State Humanitarian Commissioner, Hon. Helen Isamoh, Hon. Brian Odey, representing Yala 1 State Constituency, and Hon. Linus Etim, representing Akampka 1 State Constituency.
Ironbar Bassey, now on the path to recovery, is set to meet Governor Otu in Calabar. He expressed deep gratitude for the support he has received, as he had lost contact with his family in the United States, including his daughter, who was attending the U.S. Marine Academy when he returned to Nigeria.
