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Nairaland Forum / Entertainment / Celebrities / Basketmouth, Fela, Others – Why USA Celebrates Them, But Nigeria Doesn’t? (722 Views)
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Basketmouth, Fela, Others – Why USA Celebrates Them, But Nigeria Doesn’t? by hardeiluxie: 1:59am On Jul 24, 2015 |
Editor’s note: 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 Full details here http://www.naij.com/497065-basketmouth-fela-durotoye-funmi-iyanda-usa-celebrates-nigeria-doesnt.html |
Re: Basketmouth, Fela, Others – Why USA Celebrates Them, But Nigeria Doesn’t? by Nobody: 2:08am On Jul 24, 2015 |
hardeiluxie: K |
Re: Basketmouth, Fela, Others – Why USA Celebrates Them, But Nigeria Doesn’t? by Nobody: 2:12am On Jul 24, 2015 |
well......i think it's quite obvious no one gives a sh*t in the country. If u r doing things hoping 4 recognition, mehn.......... |
Re: Basketmouth, Fela, Others – Why USA Celebrates Them, But Nigeria Doesn’t? by Demmocrats(m): 2:40am On Jul 24, 2015 |
Re: Basketmouth, Fela, Others – Why USA Celebrates Them, But Nigeria Doesn’t? by boboLIL(m): 2:54am On Jul 24, 2015 |
Wetin u bi na fr ur pocket....dis is naija |
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