Christian Obodo, Italy-based Nigerian footballer, who was released on Sunday from the clutches of kidnappers in Delta, has commended Gov. Emmanuel Uduaghan for his role in securing his freedom.
Obodo spoke in Asaba on Tuesday when he paid a courtesy visit on Uduaghan accompanied by his Super Eagles team mate, Mikel Obi of Chelsea of London.
He said his mission in Asaba was to thank the governor for supporting the security agencies in the state to ensure his freedom.
He thanked God and the people, who contributed one way or another to ensure his release from captivity.
“I don’t have anything to say, but to say thank you. I thank God for everybody that prayed for me.
“I give God all the Glory for saving me, I was picked in the front of my Church and I believe anybody that trust God, God will never forsake the person,’’ Obodo said.
He thanked the churches and appreciated all his fans and team mates in Europe for their text messages and concern.
Responding, Uduaghan said that no ransom was paid to secure his release, stressing that the payment of ransom would have encourage the kidnappers to remain in business.
According to the governor, the focus of the state government is to build infrastructure to encourage youths to be meaningfully engaged.
“This is because if you pay ransom you are encouraging the kidnappers. I will rather put money into an infrastructure that will help me to catch the kidnappers.
“If you know the kidnappers, warn them to leave this state,'' he said.
Uduaghan called on the public to watch those who leave flamboyant lives without any meaningful source of livelihood.
He said that youth unemployment had remained a major challenge, adding that if they had something doing like becoming footballers it would help in reducing crime in our society.
“But we also know that apart from agriculture, sports is another area where youths can be engaged; so we want you to assist us to engage the youths.
“As a state we condemn kidnapping seriously. We are doing a lot to ensure that it doesn’t happen again, intelligence gathering is the key and this involves all of us,'' the Governor said.