THE LABOURS OF OUR HEROES PAST by Eyenla Stella

 

Nigeria has come far since it started with the help of several people who have sacrificed several things to get Nigeria to the stage it is in all sectors. Nigeria is considered the “Giant of Africa “and is one of the most reckoned with African countries in all ramifications, and is considered one of the best countries to get or acquire sport stars and so on as can be seen in the number of Nigerian participating in sports for other countries even in Africa .But to get where we are today a lot of people worked hard and they should all be considered as country’s heroes either in the sports ,politics, education and many other sectors of the country.  There are even many people who have sacrificed their lives for their country’s freedom or their tribes liberation. These people should all be considered our heroes. Today in Nigeria, the only people recognized are past political leaders and stakeholders without even considering the sports stars who have fought valiantly for the country and some even died in the course of lifting the country’s name or were affected adversely. These people should be recognized as much as the political ones because the country is not just about politics and this would help to attract people with talents to be more  involved in these processes. There should be more avenues of appreciating them as can be seen in the way  American sport stars are almost more well- known  then the politicians, but nobody knows Nigerians stars. Not even Nigerians. This goes to show that these people are not recognised enough and their impact on much more than that of any politician. Also these sport starsare not paid enough by any degree. After exerting their life and energy for Nigeria, the meagre wages they are given is not enough for them to even buy food not to talk of instruments for training and as a result many of them perform below par. This is the reason that many of them reason that many of them travel out of the country and offer their services to other countries where they are guaranteed better payment opportunities and greater work capacity.  The only team that is paid slightly well enough is the male adult football team and even this is not enough. The country should focus more on up and coming stars like the under 17 teams and Under20 especially female teams as these are the future leaders who will bring the labours of our heroes  past in to fruition.

             Finally, these people have worked hard. Let us give them the fruit of their labours even while they are still alive even if they are inactive. Other countries cherish their people much more than we do especially when they are alive, making them proud of the country and willing to work for its enhancement and Betterment .

Conclusively, I think that Nigeria, as a country with such excessive talent should do more than it does that right now and I believe the way to move forward is to give honour to whom honour is due. If we thank those who have helped us in any capacity no matter how small, it will encourage them to work more and for other people also to work as people like to be appreciated.