Ike Nnachi, Abakaliki
Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, and the member representing Ohaozara/Onicha/Ivo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Kama Nkemkanma, have congratulated Blessing Ejiofor, an Ebonyi-born player on Nigeria’s national women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, for her role in the team’s historic fifth consecutive AfroBasket Women’s Championship title in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
In a statement on Tuesday, Governor Nwifuru described Ejiofor—who hails from Okposi in Ohaozara Local Government Area—as a source of pride to Ebonyi State and a shining example of what hard work and dedication can achieve.
He said her victory serves as an inspiration to every girl-child in the state and beyond.
“You have created another moment of history with your achievement, and we are incredibly proud of you.
“For every girl-child from Ebonyi, you are an inspiration, showing that hard work and dedication can lead to great accomplishments,” the governor stated.
He also commended Ejiofor’s involvement in girl-child development through the Muna Foundation’s Girls Empowerment Camp, describing her as a beacon of hope and pride for the people of Ebonyi State.
In a separate message, Mr. Kama Nkemkanma praised Ejiofor’s contribution to Nigeria’s basketball success, noting that her performance on the court has once again brought glory to the country and etched the name of Ebonyi State in African sports history.
“Your journey from local playcourts to the prestigious courts of Vanderbilt University, Chipola College, West Virginia University, and now D’Tigress is a testament to relentless dedication and the extraordinary talent in our people,” he said.
He further described Ejiofor as a role model for young people and lauded her for carrying the flag of the constituency, the state, and the nation with “grace, strength, and excellence.”
Ejiofor was part of the D’Tigress squad that clinched the 2025 AfroBasket title, further extending Nigeria’s dominance in African women’s basketball.
