Yes. The banging sound of an empty drum. Countrymen and women are quiet all over the world as there seems to be a quiet acceptance that we are a certain way and therefore, not really deserving of a medal whenever the world gathers.
When our boys and girls win anything at anytime, it’s never because Nigeria helped them to prepare like other countries do. In Nigeria, when money is voted for anything, the top official sees it as his share of the national cake.
He pinches off 50% to begin with. The rest of his subordinates are left to scramble to implement a N10B project with N5B. Now, since their own mothers did not give birth to a fool, the next set of officials take another 50% from the 50% remaining. This practice carries through the entire agency until it’s time for an athlete to be equipped and kitted for a competition and they have no boots to wear, no racquets to practice with, no bicycles available for a bicycle race, no money for hotel accommodation and money meant for their meals disappear also.
The officials take everything away. When an athlete eventually, against all the odds gets a medal, the president celebrates. His State governor celebrates. They promise him a parcel of land in Abuja. He waits. If he’s lucky, he may collect his appreciation gift after 45 years.
That is the story of Nigeria. We could have won a medal in the Hammer event. “We” did win one in the Hammer event. However, the Nigerian competitor, Annette Echikunwoke who had been swindled and mistreated by Nigerian officials years ago, decided to switch sides to the United States. She won a Silver medal for the United States.
Under the Buhari administration, a United States based businessman approached the government. He had raised $800m investment money from Equity Funds in the US. He wanted to come to Nigeria to invest in football and create a league to rival the English league in Nigeria. A government official asked him for a $35m bribe to help him get permission. He turned around and walked away.
All hope is not lost. From the hills of Jos which overflows with long distance runners to the pristine waters of Izon land where swimmers abound waiting to be trained for the big stage, to the rain forests of Esan land, thick with acrobatic talents that could give Simon Biles a run for all her medals—-Nigeria has talent.
We need a few honest men and women in power. 2028 Olympics is not too far out. We can begin that good work today and aim for 10 Gold in 2028. The people who win do not have two heads. Or, do they?
Egogo Staff Writer.
Reporting from Paris.
Egogonewshub.com
