Kofoworola Ayodeji , Naij.com guest author,
laments a fact that the people who contribute enormously to
the positive international image of Nigeria are celebrated all
over the world, but do not receive proper respect and honour
at their motherland.
Story highlights:
– “… I was heartbroken that Nigeria does not admire and
celebrate her own sons and daughters demonstrating
uncommon excellence in their areas of interest.”
– “… Taiwo Akinkunmi, the designer of the Nigerian flag…
was honoured a national award only after decades of
neglect. Isn’t that disgraceful?”
– “When they [the notable people] are honoured as deemed
fit, this inspires and gives hope to the younger generation…
In case of Nigeria, the situation is exactly opposite.”
– “Please, tell me, who deserve the Order for Meritorious
Service if not the outstanding and patriotic Nigerians? “
– “Our best brains must be encouraged, not depressed!”
An Afrobeat legend, Fela Anikulapo Kuti, has recently
been awarded by the US Congress for his enormous
contribution to music, and political activism. I received
the news with the mixed feelings — excitement on one
hand and anger on the other. I was excited because the
music legend was remembered and recognised years
after his death — that’s superb! However, I was
heartbroken that Nigeria does not admire and celebrate
her own sons and daughters demonstrating uncommon
excellence in their areas of interest. One would quickly
recall that Taiwo Akinkunmi, the designer of the Nigerian
flag (a huge source of national pride), was honoured a
national award only after decades of neglect. Isn’t that
disgraceful?
A few days later, it was all over the media that the
Nigerian veteran comedian, Basketmouth, was specially
honoured in far-away Houston— the 4th largest US city.
Reportedly, July 17 was proclaimed Basketmouth Day by
the mayor of the city of Houston in Texas. This was
obviously done in recognition of his extraordinary feat. I
doubt if anyone would dispute the fact that Basketmouth
really deserves the great honour. I first saw him
performing live at a campus show at Obafemi Awolowo
University, Ile Ife, where he came to thrill the students in
the height of academic warfare , and I did doff my hat for
him that day—he’s a great bundle of talents. In fact, I
said to myself: “This guy is going places, and he will
definitely win a national award someday.” That’s what I
say whenever I come across young talented Nigerians
and Africans, who sweep me off my feet – I am an
incurable optimist.
Beside Basketmouth and one or two other comedians,
there are a number of exceptional Nigerians, who deserve
the national awards. However, have they ever been
considered? No. Let’s discuss some of these remarkable
citizens.
To the best of my knowledge, the national awards are not
designed for the “friends of the government”, who are
experts only when it comes to looting of the public funds.
Instead, they are designed in order to recognise the
contributions of the notable people to the development of
their communities and the country at large. When they
are honoured as deemed fit, this inspires and gives hope
to the younger generation that indeed there are the
rewards for excellence, diligence and patriotism. In case
of Nigeria, the situation is exactly opposite. Doesn’t that
explain why an average Nigerian youngster doesn’t care
about impacting the lives of fellow countrymen, and,
moreover, doesn’t give a damn about the community
development?
Fela Durotoye has touched the lives of so many Nigerian
youths as a foremost motivational speaker and author.
Through various nation-building projects, he helped many
young ones to find their purpose in life and build
outstanding businesses/careers. This fantastic man
inspired numerous Nigerians to create solutions to the
overwhelming problems the country is facing. Fela is the
CEO of Gemstone Group , an organisation, whose mission
is to raise excellent leaders at any age committed to the
process of turning Nigeria into the world’s most desirable
nation to live in by December 31, 2025. Isn’t that amazing?
I can easily remember the ecstasy and eagerness with
which we used to watch New Dawn with Funmi on NTA in
the 2000s. We were always looking forward to that
moment when the legendary Funmi Iyanda would feature
the story of the “hard-to-reach” Nigerians (particularly
children, youths and women), and then bring succour to
them in a very inspiring way. That emotional stories
never failed to strike the cord of patriotism in me. I’m
sure it did the same for many other Nigerians. Funmi
Iyanda currently runs Change-A-Life – a social
intervention project that has affected the lives of many
children. A die-hard feminist, social crusader and ace
broadcaster, Funmi Iyanda will go down in history as one
of the greatest Nigerians of all times.
2Face Idibia is a renowned Nigerian singer, whose talent
is second-to-none. He’s an incredible youth ambassador
and philanthropist working tirelessly to promote peace
and development in the country. He released a song
“Man unkind” in order to raise awareness of the menace
of fake and substandard food and drug products in
Nigeria. Through his foundation, he launched Vote Not
Fight, Election No Be War campaign admonishing every
citizen to shun violence during the just concluded general
election. This is highly commendable!
Brilliance with which Chimamanda Adichie wrote Purple
Hibiscus and Half Of A Yellow Sun , as well as her other
books, confirms the fact that Nigerians rank among the
best brains globally. She was able to tell the story of
Nigeria in a very stimulating way. In a bid to improve the
craft of Nigerian writers, this award-winning writer has
been holding several creative writing workshops in Lagos
during the last few years.
The fond memories of I need to know— a Nigerian family-
oriented television series on adolescent reproductive
health— are hard to let go. The leading
character, the action-packed Bisi, popularly known today
as Jennifer, has positively affected the lives of many
Nigerian youths. Well, she hasn’t stopped. Instead, she’s
even gone the extra mile to put a smile on the faces of
Nigerians through her classical style of comedy. This
outstanding actress, Funke Akindele , owns Scene One of
Drama, which helps the youths to discover, develop and
showcase their God-given acting talent.
Please, tell me, who deserve the Order for Meritorious
Service if not the outstanding and patriotic Nigerians?
Giving awards to those who contribute little or nothing to
the development of the nation is disheartening. It must
stop! Our best brains must be encouraged, not
depressed! Na Wa Ooo! Abi na America go dey teach us
everything? Anyway, congrats to the amiable
Basketmouth for this great achievement, we are very
proud of him.
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