BY: EMMANUEL CHUKWUMA, ENUGU.

The former Deputy Governor of Imo State, Prince Eze Madumere, has called on the federal and state governments to institude a comprehensive, holistic welfare packages for sports men and women across the country.

This is even as he tasked the government on the placement of Life Insurance Policies for the athletes, so as to ameilorate their challenges.

Prince Madumere, a human capital development expert, made this known while on a condolence visit to the families of late football maestro,and professional, Henry Onyemanze Nwosu and veteran coach, Ransom Madu in Owerri, Imo State.

Prince Madumere, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Senatorial hopeful for Owerri zone, highlighted that the demise of two famous sports icons who devoted their lives to Nigerian and professional football should energize the government to put mechanism in place, aimed at prioritizing the healthcare delivering system of the athletes, retired and serving.

Speaking in Umukwoma Umuorie Naze and World Bank Road in Owerri, the former deputy governor expressed astonishment on the neglect of many former sportsmen and women after years of dedicated and meritious service to the nation.

He said, “There should be a sustainable and institutionalised support structure for retired athletes in Nigeria. “These men served the country with honour and brought joy to millions. They deserve access to proper healthcare, insurance and decent welfare after retirement.”

Prince Madumere, an America trained technocrat described the late Henry Nwosu as one of Nigeria’s finest football ambassadors whose influence transcended generations. “Henry Nwosu was not just a footballer, he was the symbol of patriotism, unity and excellence. His contribution to Nigerian football can never be forgotten,” he submitted”.

Prince Madumere, a philanthropist also paid tribute to ex-Iwuanyanwu Nationale player and former Heartland FC coach, Ramson Madu, and eulogized him as a passionate grassroots developer who impacted countless young players in Imo State.

“When I heard about Coach Ramson Madu’s death, I felt it was important to personally identify with the family. He dedicated his life to football development and touched many lives through the game”.

During the visit to Madu family, he met with the late coach’s widow, Chioma Madu, and their children, encouraging them to remain strong and united in the face of their loss.

Prince Madumere donated cash support to both families to assist with burial arrangements ahead of funeral rites scheduled for June 6th and June 24th respectively.

Community leaders, including the Chief Priest of Naze Autonomous Community, Hamilton Uzoma, and David Iheanacho, commended Madumere for the gesture, describing same as timely and compassionate.

Recall that Henry Nwosu, a former Green Eagles midfielder and one of Nigeria’s most celebrated footballers, died on March 14, 2026, at the age of 62. Coach Ramson Madu passed away in April after years of service to football development in Imo State and the nation.