Etim 'Ironbar' Bassey: After Ahmed Musa’s Gift, Governor Offers Olympian Immediate Employment

• Etim 'Ironbar' Bassey has been offered employment by the government of Cross River State
• Ahmed Musa had splashed N500,000 on the former weightlifter who was spotted filling potholes in Lagos
• Governor Bassey Otu has reached out to the former Olympian for immediate rehabilitation

The governor of Cross River State, Bassey Edet Otu, has offered immediate employment to former Olympian, Etim ‘Ironbar’ Bassey.

Incredible weightlifter Bassey, who won a bronze medal at the Commonwealth Games in 1982, was spotted filling potholes in Lagos a while ago.

Bright Bassey and friend Onyekachi Okoro Alexander captured the former athlete struggling to survive along the Ado Road in the Ajah axis of Lagos.

@only1brytos shared the clip, which went viral and attracted the attention of the Super Eagles captain, who reached out and sent N500,000 to the struggling Bassey.

Barely a year later, the government of Cross River State has taken steps in rehabilitating ‘Ironbar’, who was forced to retire after suffering a torn muscle at the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

Marcus Edwards: Astonishing footage shows Chelsea targets has eerilily similar traits to Messi

Football

It was gathered that Governor Otu was touched by the situation and emphasized the athletes’ contributions to promoting both the state and Nigeria on the global sports stage.

Governor Otu said, as per Vanguard:

“I am touched by the situation you (Ironbar) has found yourself and it is the right thing to bring you back home and get you something to do. What matters now is the legacy you have created.

“So, forget all that you have gone through and look to the future and this administration is here to see you back and to contribute to sports development in our state.

“We will rehabilitate you. You are to see the Commissioner of Sports for immediate employment where you find fit so that you can be meaningfully engaged. I wish you the best.”

How Ironbar was spotted

Sports Brief earlier reported that Nigerian music star, Oc Cares disclosed how he observed the ‘street worker’ for some time, prompting him to reach out.

Rulani Mokwena discusses Gaston Sirino's future at Mamelodi Sundowns

Football

Bassey’s story came to light after music maker Alexander Onyekachi, with Instagram handle @oc_cares1, and disc jockey Bright Bassey of IG handle @only1brytos said that they had been observing his efforts since moving into the area in December 2021.

The entertainers captured the former athlete and shared the clip, which eventually went viral on the internet.