The Nation Newspaper

Category: Letters

Lagos’ dismal record in HPV vaccination
Sir: Lagos State is the most populous state, the commercial capital of the country and economic hub of West Africa having held the status of the federal capital territory from 1968 until 1991. By these distinct attributes, Lagos is arguably, a pacesetter, thus nicknamed ‘Centre of Excellence’. It therefore places a high demand on the state to be in the lead of every positive programme that can contribute to the wellbeing of citizens particularly its residents.

Unfortunately, the reverse is the case vis-à-vis the November 2023 report released by National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) on Human Papillomavirus popularly known as HPV. The Human papillomavirus (HPV) is responsible for about 95% of cervical cancer. HPV is the most common STI (sexually transmitted infection) globally, with an estimated 80% of sexually active individuals infected at some point in their lives. The cervix is the lower part of the uterus (womb), cervical cancer occurs when there is uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the cervix.

In Nigeria, cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in women, accounting for approximately 16% of all female cancers. Globally, cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer among women with an estimated 604,000 new cases and 31,421,000 deaths annually. Cervical HPV infection also affects male gender though in very low percentage. Nigeria has a population of 56.2 million women ages 15 years and older who are at risk of developing cervical cancer. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Nigeria has an estimated 12,075 new cases of cervical cancer and 7,968 deaths from the disease each year. Cervical cancer is the second highest occurring cancer in Nigeria amongst women. Current estimates indicate that every year, 12,075 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer and 7,968 die from the disease. It ranks as the second most frequent cancer among women in Nigeria and the second most frequent cancer among women between 15 and 44 years of age.

From verifiable records, over 135 million doses of HPV vaccines have been distributed since they were licensed, and data continue to show that the vaccines provide safe, effective, and long-lasting protection against cancers caused by HPV.

Read Also: ‘HPV vaccines can reverse high cervical cancer recurrence’

Now, in a phase cumulative coverage by states for HPV vaccination rate using MAC campaign targets (80% of target point), data as at November 16, 2023 shows as follows: Taraba – 98%, Akwa Ibom – 97%, Nasarawa – 93%, Abia – 93%, Kano – 92%, Bauchi – 87%, Jigawa – 87%, FCT – 84%, Adamawa – 83%, Osun – 82%, Kebbi – 80%, Enugu – 74%, Ogun – 70%, and Lagos –31%. Source: NPHCDA.

From the above, Lagos’ record of 31 percent against a target point of 80 percent is not cheering. The question is what happened this time?

Whilst Taraba, Akwa Ibom, Nasarawa and Abia states struggled for lead in the record, three states that did not meet the target point are Enugu (74%); Ogun (70%) alongside Lagos with 31%. Lagos by its strategic position in the scheme of things has the highest number of visitors and tourists on a daily basis, and therefore such a poor attention to health issues as this may be dangerous.

As a matter of fact, any infectious disease in Lagos can be speedily transmitted to other states and beyond without delay due to the high number of tourists in the state in-and-out every day. The margin between the two states (Enugu and Ogun states) that also didn’t meet the target compared to Lagos is so wide that a question needs to be asked on what happened. Thus, only Lagos policymakers can provide accurate answers.

To call a spade a spade, this record is incompatible with the status of ‘Centre of Excellence’ which Lagos is known for. A state like Lagos should lead and not the other way round. People’s health and wellbeing matters and a stitch in time saves nine!
- Carl Umegboro, Abuja.
December 26, 2023
CBN and call for hike in MPR
Sir: Recently, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), through her Director of Communication, Ms Julie Kozack, advised the CBN to further hike its Monetary Policy Rate (MPR), which currently stands at a very high 18.75%, at its next Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting.

It is worth noting that every rates, including commercial banks’ lending rates, flows from the CBN MPR, with an upward adjustment for risks and margin. So currently, the banks lend to their customers and investors at between 25% to 30% or even more, depending on the credit risk of the potential borrower. It is evident that no productive investor will take loan at those prohibitive rates, when you consider that the macro-economic business climate is toxic- no roads, no power, water and general insecurity. So what you have, or those who are ready to borrow funds in Nigeria are speculators and quick turnover traders- no productive activities.

Investors are not borrowing funds for investment resulting in low manufacturing contribution to GDP growth and even disinvestment by many exacerbating the worrisome unemployment levels.

I agree that in conventional monetary economics, you have to tighten money supply to tame escalating inflation, like we have in Nigeria at over 27% as at October but it worth nothing that Nigeria’s inflation is not the type you have in Europe and North American nations. Our inflation is imported inflation, resulting from negative terms of trade and Balance of Payment disequilibrium. In other words, Nigerian inflation is “Cost Push,” not “Demand Pull,” which traditional excess liquidity engenders.

Read Also: Emefiele, Mustapha, TIG tackle CBN investigator

It’s time for Nigeria to shun IMF ill-advised policies. Nigeria has been on the tailspin since 1986 when the Babangida regime bought the IMF advice to float and devalue the naira exchange rate to the US dollar. From N4 to a $1 in 1986 to N1,200 to a dollar today, the consequences have been dire- wiping out of the middle class, spiralling imported inflation; mass poverty and crime- banditry, kidnapping etc. and Japa syndrome.

When will our economists and slavish CBN learn that IMF does not mean well for developing countries?

For a country with so high and prohibitive interest rates- killing SMEs and deterring start-ups and causing unemployment, the IMF is advising MPC of the CBN to further hike the rates, to make borrowing to finance investments out of reach of average investor, is more like committing economic hara-kiri.
- Chief Tony Onyema Ishiekwene, Lagos.
December 26, 2023
Makinde, allow justice to take its course
- By Adewuyi Adegbite
Sir: The report credited to the Oyo State governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde that those who oppose the choice of Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye as the Soun of Ogbomoso should withdraw their cases from court or face the wrath of his government is an infringement on the right of a section of Laoye chieftaincy family. The governor reportedly stated this while presenting staff and instrument of office to Oba Laoye in Ogbomoso on Tuesday, December 19.

Recall that some of the princes that were dissatisfied with the choice of the Oyo State government and the kingmakers approached the court to stop the installation and later the presentation of the staff and instrument of office to the new Soun. An Oyo State High Court sitting in Ogbomoso had nullified the appointment but the Oba went back to court to stop the execution of the judgement which he was granted. This paved the way for the installation and presentation of the staff and instrument of office to the Oba.

All along, it has been a win-win situation for Oba Laoye. Now threatening those in opposition to Oba Laoye would obstruct the course of justice and this is dangerous for our democracy and rule of law and constitution of the land which Engineer Seyi Makinde swore to uphold and protect.

Issue of Obaship is a delicate issue which causes rancour within chieftaincy families because all princes believe that they are qualified for the throne. Jaw-jaw rather than war-war is the key.

Read Also: Soludo leads Ngige, others for father’s thanksgiving, commends Shettima

The governor spoke well when he advised the litigants that further contestation over the eligibility of the new Oba would bring the throne and the town no good. However, stating that he would deploy the government arsenal to fight them if they do not withdraw their cases could only harden the litigants among who are educated people who knew their rights and may want to defend it. People have the fundamental rights to seek justice when they feel their rights are infringed upon; threatening them is out of it.

Meanwhile, the new Oba did well in his inaugural address by extending the Olive Branch to his co-contestants. Laoye chieftaincy family is a large family with many qualified personalities. As the new Oba correctly said, it is God that gives crown to whomever he deems fit. That Oba Laoye is divinely ordained is beyond contestation. Only jaw-jaw rather than threat can douse the tension in the family and so the amiable governor should borrow a leaf from Oba Laoye in this wise.

•Adewuyi Adegbite,

ayekooto05@gmail.com
December 25, 2023
Challenges of local governments
- By Dr Goodluck F.T. Uguoji
Sir: The local government administration was a colonial creation. It served the colonial masters and their indigenous successors in the political administration of Nigeria very well indeed. It has undergone several changes since Nigeria became independent of British colonial rule almost 63 years ago.

With an executive and a legislative arm, the local government is all but local in name. It has become a modern government in a rural setting. It has been refined by the natives themselves to make it fit into the modern concept of government.

The local government for Nigerians is more than a convenient administrative unit. It is the locus of local political power. And everyone wants to be a part of it. The government is people in flesh and blood. The government is the next-door neighbour or the man further down the road. If the government must touch the lives of everything and everybody in the country, then it must have the means of touching people. It could have its agents even at the grassroots level. But if people must be involved in government, then they must be familiar with the workings of government.

The local government system brings the workings of government closer to the people than anything else. It is the running of a progressive and dynamic government at the local level. The whole idea is to encourage the practice of democracy at the grassroots. The concept itself is so attractive that it is pretty unlikely that Nigerians would be opposed to any number of local governments.

Presently, Nigeria has 774 local government areas. But unlike what obtains at the federal and state levels, local governments have expenditure limits and are supposed to be autonomous and free from the control of the state government.

So, we can say that local government autonomy is not total as some state governments intercept the federal government subvention. And no local government can survive without allocations from the federation account. Thus heavy dependence on the federal government financially is a big minus for local government autonomy.

Under the present system of local government administration, the executive power is vested in the chairman who may exercise it personally or delegate it to the vice-chairman. Both, together with the supervisors and the secretary, who are appointed by the chairman, form the executive arm. The elected councillors form the local government legislature. The legislators must elect, from among themselves, one councillor, usually from the majority party, as leader of the council. He plays roles similar to that of the speaker in the state house of assembly.

Indeed, they call him a speaker rather than the leader of the council. The secretary acts as the chief administrative adviser to the administrative arm and keeps proper records of local government. There is also a head of personnel management department, designated as the clerk of the legislative council. He keeps records of the proceedings of the council meetings. The clerk also liaises with the secretary of the local government for the smooth-running of the administration of the local government.

Read Also: Emulate Chinese approach in tackling Japa syndrome, US group tells FG

In other words, the local government is necessary to enable the people at the grassroots to enjoy speedy developments. The local government council is also empowered to vet and monitor the implementation of projects and programmes in the council’s yearly budget as well as examine and debate monthly statements of income and expenditure rendered to it by the executive arm.

Some of the noticeable problems of the system include the fact that most of the legislative councils, which are expected to meet at least once or twice a month, are usually idle. The majority of them do not even know what to do except to turn the council into a court of inquisition against the executive. Local councils also lack good libraries and competent legal draftsmen to guide in the preparation of bylaws. In other words, they lack standard procedure. There is also the issue of lack of imprest to run the council and unavailability of vehicles for council members to visit project sites.

Another obstacle to the effective functioning of the council is the calibre of people constituting it. Another visible problem is the patent ignorance among majority of councillors across the country. Also noted is state excessive interference in the affairs of the local governments. Lack of total autonomy and state interception of federal government subvention is another noticeable problem of the local government administration. There are also increasing cases of inexperience on the part of the councillors about their job.

•Dr Goodluck F.T. Uguoji,

Akute, Ogun State.
December 25, 2023
Has Christmas lost its true essence?
- By Chiedu Uche Okoye
Sir: In Nigeria, the onset of harmattan, a period of cold weather, precedes Christmas. It is that period of the year when we muffle ourselves in layers of clothes to protect ourselves from the biting cold at night. And when we hang our clothes on the line, they will dry quickly.

Christmas announces its nearness with other characteristic signs. It makes our lips chapped; and skin dry. To mitigate the effects of the harmattan season on us, we moisten our lips with lip-gloss and rub Vaseline cream on our skin to prevent them from becoming coarse.

Christmas has been celebrated for centuries of years by Christians and non-Christians in many countries of the world. Some historical stories have it that it was an ancient Greek festival that was Christianised to Christmas to make it acceptable to practitioners of Christianity. Other Bible scholars posit that Christmas is the remembrance of the birth of Jesus Christ, who was born more than two thousand years ago in Nazareth.

In today’s world, Christmas is the most celebrated as well as the most popular religious festival. But why do billions of people, who profess diverse religious faiths, celebrate Christmas? The reason for their celebration of Christmas is not difficult to find. Jesus Christ, whose birthday we mark on December 25, was one of the greatest religious figures, who walked the face of the earth. And the extra-ordinariness of His birth, the great teachings He espoused, and the miracles He performed, all commend us to commemorate His birthday.

Read Also: Soludo leads Ngige, others for father’s thanksgiving, commends Shettima

However, today, not all members of the different sects of Christianity celebrate Christmas to worship and revere Jesus Christ. There are endless disputations regarding His exact date of birth. Christians who do not commemorate His birth argue that He was not born on December 25, citing historical and climatic facts. And the Jehovah’s Witnesses who have incredible imaginings about earthly paradise posit that Jesus Christ did not give us command to celebrate His birthday.

But the more worrisome thing about the practitioners of Christianity is that they engage in acts that negate the teachings of Jesus Christ.

As the adherents of the Christian faith have deviated from the practice of true Christianity, our celebration of Christmas has lost its true essence. Christmas is no longer the time for the remembrance of the birthday of Jesus Christ, a man whose death will guarantee us eternal life if we exercise faith in Him and obey His commands. And Christmas is no longer the time for well-heeled people to show empathy to the poor and the under-privileged people in our society as directed by Jesus Christ.

But sadly, over the years, our celebration of Christmas has taken a sinister and worldly hue and dimension. People commit all manner of heinous crimes to acquire money with which they will celebrate Christmas in flamboyant styles. While some people abduct other people for ransom, others divert public money entrusted in their care into their private pockets to raise money for their celebration of Christmas. And there are people who engage in ritual killings to make money for Christmas celebration.

As we commemorate the birthday of Jesus Christ, let us ponder on the symbolisms of Christmas. And let us reflect on Jesus Christ’s teachings, which cover all areas of human life. Our doing the aforementioned things will illumine our lives with hope, imbue us with faith, and give us knowledge that will make us better human beings and Christians.

Merry Christmas celebration and happy New Year in advance.

•Chiedu Uche Okoye,

Uruowulu-Obosi, Anambra State.
December 25, 2023
Still on the burden of naira scarcity
- By Debo Adeniran
Sir: We have observed that barely a year after the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) naira redesign that ended up as a colossal fiasco and subjected our people to untold hardships, naira scarcity has resurfaced in the country.

It was reported that since last month, banks started imposing daily individual withdrawal limits of between N20,000 to N40,000 which was mainly due to the shortage of cash in their vaults. Although the CBN has tried to assuage the apprehension of the people by repeatedly assuring the people that it had supplied the banks with enough cash, the situation is yet to improve. As we speak now, you cannot withdraw more than N10,000 in some banks. This is not a good time for this anomaly as we are approaching the festive season when the majority of our people who rely on cash transactions would likely demand for more cash to facilitate their various transactions.

The federal government and the CBN should critically look into what may have been responsible for the current scarcity and nip it in the bud as soon as possible. It is a known fact that the mobile and online transactions are still plagued with numerous challenges that makes some Nigerians not to adopt it. The fact that a vast majority of the people in the hinterlands who don’t have access to the internet and or electricity may only find solace in cash transactions is another factor why we cannot afford to subject them to another round of wild goose chase of a commodity that ought to be readily available whenever it is needed.

Read Also: Prioritise your health, strengthen bonds with loved ones, God – First Lady tells elderly Nigerians

One begins to wonder why both the new notes that millions of taxpayers’ money was used to print and the old notes that the Supreme Court have ruled to coexist as legal tender is now scarce in circulation. One would have expected that after the sad turn out of event of the new redesign, the CBN would have put machineries in place that would make such an occurrence a history that would not repeat itself.

We would like to use this medium to call on the federal government and the CBN to do all within their power to push enough cash into circulation as our people don’t deserve to be treated as slaves in their fatherland. They have worked hard for their money and they deserve to access cash whenever they need it.

•Debo Adeniran,

cacolc@yahoo.com,
December 22, 2023
Rivers political crisis and national security
- By Nosa Osaikhuiwu
Sir: The unfolding political drama in Rivers State poses deep and serious threat to public safety and our nation’s security. I could not disagree more with those criticizing the president for intervening to ensure peace and tranquillity reigns in Rivers State and Nigeria. The president is the chief security officer of the country with assistance from his national security adviser. The primary responsibility of this president or any president for that matter is to ensure the nation’s security, public safety, and security of lives and properties of Nigerians.

Consequently, when taken in totality, the president’s action in pushing for an immediate cessation of hostilities between the political gladiators is the right thing to do and what is expected of the president and commander-in-chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

While it may not the president’s constitutional responsibility to settle the political divisions within a major opposition party or between one of his ministers and a sitting state governor, given the likelihood of violence that could result and spill out of control, it falls within the president’s constitutional mandate as chief security and law enforcement officer of the nation to act.

Already, some unpatriotic elements have dusted up their playbook and tribal cards by threatening to blow up oil pipelines, a threat that must be taken seriously by our security services as such threats and those behind them are advocating violence as a means to resolving political differences which is nothing, but advocating terrorism as a political instrument.

Read Also: Yuletide: Don’t think of vacation this season, we’ve burden of Nigerians on our shoulders, Shettima tells NEC

The presidency should continue its efforts and hold both parties to the terms of their agreement. It is worth mentioning that the ultimate test of the agreement brokered by the president would be how the state governor and his predecessor engage going forward on current and future issues affecting their state. Will they continue to engage offline directly on all matters affecting their state or will they allow sycophants, tribal gladiators and those with nefarious political agendas to stoke further divisions?

I am heartened a bit by the statement credited to Rivers State governor, Siminalayi Fubara, “that no price was too much to pay for peace”, and hope that former governor, Nyesom Wike will also commit to maintaining the peace in Rivers State at all costs while recognizing that there can only be one governor at a time. He should support his handpicked governor to ensure a peaceful development of his state.

Fubara should deepen his engagement with his predecessor and carry out wider consultations with him to maintain peace in the state on major transformational actions by his government.

Besides, Fubara should communicate directly with his predecessor, not through third parties or surrogates. ‘ The FCT minister should prioritize his current portfolio to help the president deliver on his agenda and allow the governor to manage his state.

Both of them should understand that the real power and sovereignty rests with the Rivers State indigenes, and they will have another crack to exercise this power in 36 months when the governor is up for re-election, so both must sheathe their swords.

Finally, I would like to commend the president, his national security adviser and well-meaning indigenes of Rivers State that were part of this peace accord, for recognizing the threat that this issue could have posed to our nation and acting to extinguish it. The president should direct the national security adviser to continue and deepen further engagement between Governor Fubara and the former and Minister Wike to give this accord time to work.

•Nosa Osaikhuiwu,

Houston, Texas, USA.
December 22, 2023
Nigeria at COP28: Cautious hope for renewable future
- By Abideen Olasupo
Sir: The 28th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28) concluded in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on December 14 brought together nearly 200 countries to discuss and negotiate ways to address the global climate crisis.

For Africa, which is disproportionately affected by the impacts of climate change despite contributing the least to global emissions, COP28 was an opportunity to secure commitments from developed countries to provide finance and technology for climate adaptation and mitigation efforts.

For Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country and a major oil producer, the conference was an opportunity to chart a course towards a more sustainable future.

COP28 produced a mixed bag of outcomes for Africa and Nigeria. On the one hand, the conference adopted a number of resolutions that could have a positive impact on the continent. A good example is the Global Goal on Adaptation, which aims to mobilize $25 billion per year for climate adaptation by 2025.

There is also the Africa Renewable Energy Initiative (AREI), which aims to mobilize $100 billion for renewable energy in Africa by 2030; and then the Loss and Damage Fund, which will provide financial assistance to developing countries that have been hit by climate disasters.

These resolutions, if implemented effectively, could provide much-needed resources for African countries to adapt to the impacts of climate change and transition to a low-carbon economy.

However, there are also reasons for caution. There are major concerns particularly that the commitments made at COP28 are not legally binding, and there is no guarantee that they will be translated into concrete action. In addition, many African countries, including Nigeria, are still heavily reliant on fossil fuels for their energy needs.

Transitioning to a renewable energy future will require significant investment and support from developed countries.

Despite the challenges, COP28 represents a step forward in the fight against climate change.

The resolutions adopted at the conference provide a foundation for a more sustainable future for Africa and Nigeria. It is now up to African governments, civil society organizations, and the private sector to work together to ensure that these commitments are translated into action.

For Nigeria, COP28 is an opportunity to accelerate its transition to a renewable energy future. The country has abundant solar and wind resources, and the government has set a target of generating 30% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030.

COP28 provides an opportunity to secure the financing and technology needed to achieve this goal.

A shift to renewable energy would not only help Nigeria to mitigate its climate impact, but it would also create jobs, boost economic growth, and improve air quality.

In addition, it would make Nigeria less reliant on imported fossil fuels, which would save the country billions of dollars in foreign exchange.

The transition to a renewable energy future will not be easy. However, COP28 has shown that there is a global commitment to supporting developing countries in their efforts to address climate change. With hard work and dedication, Nigeria can seize this opportunity to build a more sustainable future for its people and planet.

Read Also: Prioritise your health, strengthen bonds with loved ones, God – First Lady tells elderly Nigerians

To strengthen this commitment, African countries must make sustainable investments in climate change education. Africa, although it bears the brunt of the climate crisis, its people are largely ignorant of climate change. Designing and implementing climate educative policies will fast track access to clean and renewable energy especially in the rural areas.

Africa must also ensure that its fight against climate disinformation is fought with all seriousness.

Climate disinformation can also erode public trust in climate science and scientists, making it more difficult to develop and implement effective climate policies.

For Nigeria, COP28 is an opportunity to accelerate its transition to a renewable energy future. This would not only help Nigeria to mitigate its climate impact, but it would also create jobs, boost economic growth, and improve air quality. The transition will not be easy, but with hard work and dedication, Nigeria can seize this opportunity to build a more sustainable future for its people and planet.

•Abideen Olasupo,

<abideenolasupo@gmail.com>
December 22, 2023
‘Lanrewaju Adepoju; a tribute

By Ademola ‘Bablow’ Babalola

SIR: Talented, fearless, bold, courageous and, influential. These are the words that best describe him.

There is a very unique quality that distinguished him from his contemporaries: he attended not a formal school, but spoke impeccable, flawless and unambiguous Queen’s English.

Despite the fact that he was self-educated, taught himself how to read and write, he went ahead to become an author and a publisher. He wrote many books to his credit. Ladepo Omo Adanwo, S’agbadiwere, Ironu Akewi and many others are his wonderful works.

His voice was mightier than the swords of the most powerful in Nigeria, and this led to his occasional escapes and disappearances from public. More so, many of his poetic renditions made him to live the life of a fugitive during his productive years. Even in self-designed solitary confinement, his voice reigned supreme.

Read Also: Three kidnapped while performing sacrifice at Enugu river

The military fumed but feared him. He had many a time run away for his dear life to escape from the stranglehold of the military. He ran away not because he feared their guns or bullets, he ran because he always cared to fight another fight.

He had several times dared the tigers. He dared both the military and the civilian government. He did this right from his youthful age. He spoke during the time that it was dangerous to speak. He confronted those whom many feared to look into their eyes.

Olanrewaju Adepoju (Ààre Alásà of Ibadanland) was a very popular Yoruba poet during his time. His kind of poetry was confrontational no doubt.

He, in many of his albums/records, satirized the unhealthy activities of some Nigerian rulers who posed as stumbling block to the progress of the country.

Another social vice the ‘Ewi’ icon detested most was the excesses and unruliness of some Nigerian religious leaders. He not only pointed out to their immoderations, he exposed many of the tricks they employed to hypnotize their followers.

Chief Olanrewaju was not only a poet and a publisher; he was also an activist, who, during his productive years, was always in and out of hideout. He was always in hiding in the days of military’s demonic terrors. His life was often on the line, owing to his non-stop confrontations with heartless rulers. He was on the run so the hope of good governance could not ruin.

Chief Olanrewaju, until his death, lived for humanity. He was the people’s advocate. He was the voice of the masses.

May the soul of the legend rest in peace.

• Ademola ‘Bablow’ Babalola, <babalolaademola39@gmail.com>

December 21, 2023
Osimhen, Asisat, Nnadozie and Nigeria’s unity

By Zayd Ibn Isah

SIR: Three Nigerian footballers, Victor Osimhen, Asisat Oshoala, and Nnadozie Chiamaka, enjoyed a triumphant day at the just-concluded Confederation of African Football Awards in Marrakech, Morocco.

Osimhen secured the CAF African Footballer of the Year Award, while Oshoala clinched the African Women’s Footballer of the Year Award for a record sixth consecutive time. Chiamaka, shot stopper for the Super Falcons, was crowned the best Female Goalkeeper of the Year, marking three unprecedented awards for a country since CAF first presented an award to Ghana¼s Abedi Pele in 1992.

Historically, two Nigerian players, Rashidi Yekini and Emmanuel Amuneke, went on to win this prestigious award given to Africa¼s most exceptional footballer in 1993 and 1994. The last Nigerian player to have won it before Osimhen broke the jinx was Kanu Nwankwo, popularly known as Papilo, in 1999.

The award became monotonous, similar to Asisat Oshoala’s experience, as Super Eagles’ players dominated it year in and year out. However, after Kanu won it for the second time in 1999, it seemed as though there was an order from above to halt Nigerian players’ winning streak. Not even the cerebral Austin “Jay Jay” Okocha, so good they named him twice, got to win the award until he retired from active football.

As the pursuit of the coveted award continued, the emergence of outstanding footballers like Samuel Eto’o, Didier Drogba, Yaya Toure, Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, and others made it even more difficult for Nigerian players to break through.

Read Also: Three kidnapped while performing sacrifice at Enugu river

The closest a Nigerian player came to winning the award was in 2013 when Mikel Obi was nominated after an incredible season with Chelsea and the Super Eagles. Till date, Mikel Obi seems pained that he couldn’t lay his hands on the coveted award, as the odds were in his favour until the final moments. He alleged in a recent YouTube interview with Dubai Eye 103.8 that he was robbed of the award. “I was robbed, mate,” Mikel said. “Before I went, I was told that I won it. I was at the airport flying to Nigeria because the ceremony was in Nigeria, and guess what happened? Manchester City was playing, and Yaya scored a hat-trick or two goals.”

But whether Mikel Obi was robbed or not, we are glad that the CAF Award has finally come back into the hands of our own, after 23 long years. Surely, even Obi would be happy to see one of his younger brothers crowned Africa¼s football king.

The announcement of Victor Osimhen winning this year’s African Player of the Year was akin to the proverbial long-sought treasure finally being uncovered. After a prolonged search, the day of its rediscovery would definitely precede a joy that knows no bounds. The entire country erupted in jubilation, much like the overwhelming elation that accompanies the discovery of a sought-after treasure.

Victor Osimhen had an amazing Serie A season with Napoli after helping the Italian side win their first Scudetto title in 33 years. He broke several records in their way to the title-winning season, including scoring 25 goals to emerge as the highest goal scorer. Asisat, on the other hand, had an incredible season with the Barcelona women’s football team, likewise goalkeeper Chiamaka, who showcased her goalkeeping prowess for both club and country. Also worthy of note is the fact that Osimhen’s African Footballer of the Year Award came shortly after he won the Italian Footballer of the Year Award and was ranked as the 8th best player in the world during the recent Ballon D’or ceremony.

In all of this, I’ve come to realize one thing about the Nigerian spirit: that we love to celebrate our own. It doesn’t matter the tribe or religion; if someone makes the country proud, especially on the international stage, Nigerians will roll out drums and celebrate as if there’s no tomorrow.

Currently, Nigerians from all walks of life are celebrating the trio of Osimhen, Asisat, and Nnadozie, overlooking their region and religion. The only thing that matters is the colour of the country’s flag they represent. This further reinforces my belief that, beyond the social media drama, what truly binds us together is stronger than what tears us apart. “Though tribe and tongue may differ, in brotherhood we stand.”

Congratulations, Victor Osimhen: the boy from Olusosun Street is now the African Player of the Year. Just as he once said, dreams do come true, indeed. Congratulations to Asisat and Nnadozie for making the country proud as well.

• Zayd Ibn Isah, lawcadet1@gmail.com

December 21, 2023