Rewarding Selfless Service Across the Nation
There is a wave of excitement across the country as the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (PBAT) redefines national values by recognizing selfless service in a manner not seen in over six decades. For the first time in 65 years, the federal government has made an intentional move to celebrate outstanding contributors to national development while they are still alive. This symbolic shift, under PBAT’s leadership, is breaking the longstanding pattern of posthumous recognition and setting a new tone for national appreciation.
This was contained in a statement signed by the chairman of the planing Committee, Hon Uroh Kiani ,Esq.
Presidential Recognition and Renewed Hope is a welcome development which deserved the commendation by every patriotic Nigerian.
According to him,the turning point came with President Tinubu’s gesture toward the Super Falcons following their victory, as each team member received a $100,000 cash reward and a house in the Renewed Hope Housing Estate in Abuja. This act not only highlights the government’s renewed commitment to rewarding excellence but also underlines the importance of motivating individuals who bring pride and honor to Nigeria.
He said “Celebrating the Living,is Conscious Choice
This emerging culture of recognizing living legends mirrors the ethos behind the celebration of Chief (Ambassador) Ogunu Miebi Samson, a towering figure in grassroots sports development, who recently marked 50 years of tireless service to youth and sports in Nigeria. The planning committee for his anniversary emphasized the need to celebrate individuals while they are alive—a belief that is increasingly gaining acceptance at various national and community levels”
“A Lifetime of Dedication to Grassroots Sports
Chief (Ambassador) Ogunu Miebi Samson, President of the Independent Grassroots Sports Development Association, has devoted his youth and adult life to nurturing sports talents across the nation. His sacrifices have laid the foundation for sports growth in numerous local communities, fostering opportunities for the youth and creating a lasting legacy in the sports development sector”
“Unrecognized Sacrifice in a Society that rewards Conflict,
The committee lamented that in a society where acts of violence often attract more attention than quiet service, individuals like Chief Ogunu might have received more recognition had he chosen a more disruptive path. Had he blown up oil pipelines, it is likely that both international oil companies and governments at all levels would have intervened swiftly. But because his noble efforts in youth empowerment through sports did not disrupt the economy, they have largely gone unnoticed by major stakeholders”
“A Call to Action for Philanthropists and Stakeholders
In light of this, the planning committee is urging wealthy sports philanthropists, international oil companies, and all tiers of government to take part in this global celebration of Chief Ogunu’s legacy. His lifetime of service is a compelling reason to support and promote selfless individuals who invest in national development without expecting anything in return.
This of course ,will be inspiring a new generation of Patriots,hence
the committee believes that recognizing and celebrating the likes of Chief Ogunu will serve as a powerful motivation,worthy of emulation for the next generation as it will also be a source of mentorship and encourage and spur more Nigerian youth to commit to selfless service, knowing that such contributions can and will be honored in their lifetime. This approach will go a long way in building a better and more patriotic Nigeria”
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has sparked a timely and necessary shift in the national culture of recognition by celebrating the living not only boosts their morale but also deepens the sense of national purpose. The legacy of individuals like Chief (Ambassador) Ogunu Miebi Samson must be appreciated now—not when they can no longer hear the applause. This is how nations globally grow by honoring those who build quietly, serve passionately, and live selflessly”
