Ebonyi Governor Gifts D’Tigress Star ₦30m, Announces ₦50m Project in Her Honour
Ebonyi State governor, Francis Nwifuru, has honoured D’Tigress forward, Blessing Ejiofor, with a ₦30 million cash reward and a duplex, while also approving a ₦50 million basketball project in her name.
The recognition comes after Ejiofor played a key role in helping Nigeria’s women’s basketball team clinch a historic fifth consecutive AfroBasket title in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.
In a statement shared on his Facebook page, Governor Nwifuru hailed Ejiofor as a pride of Ebonyi State and an inspiration to young girls across the nation.
“I am delighted to once again celebrate and congratulate our very own daughter, Blessing Munachi Ejiofor, one of the champions who brought prestige to our nation by securing a historic five-straight title in the African Women’s Basketball tournament in Abidjan, Ivory Coast,” the governor said.
Ejiofor was formally honoured during the state’s expanded executive council meeting, where she was also inducted into the Ebonyi Hall of Fame.
“Her achievements in basketball have proudly placed Ebonyi State on the global map. Her dedication and journey to this stage serve as a beacon of inspiration for every Ebonyi girl child. She is a worthy ambassador of the State and we are proud of her,” Nwifuru added.
As part of the package, Ejiofor was awarded ₦30 million and allocated a duplex in the state’s Civil and Public Servants Estate. The governor also announced a ₦50 million approval for the construction of a professional basketball court, dedicated to nurturing young talents in the state.
Nwifuru further praised Ejiofor’s efforts in empowering girls through her Muna Foundation’s Girls Empowerment Camp and pledged the state’s support in grooming future basketball stars.
Meanwhile, following their triumph at the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket, President Bola Tinubu also rewarded the D’Tigress with $100,000 each for players, $50,000 for every member of the coaching and technical crew, a three-bedroom flat each, and national honours of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON).
