12th February, 2013
As the euphoria generated by Super Eagles victory continues in the country, Lagos State House of Assembly has appealed to President Goodluck Jonathan to fulfil whatever promises he makes to the players to encourage more citizens of the country to contribute selflessly to its development.
A member of the House representing Oshodi-Isolo Constituency 2, Omowunmi Olatunji-Edet, while commending the team at the floor of the House on Monday raised the issue of fulfilment of promises to the players.
Olatunji-Edet recalled that the team which led Nigeria to victory in 1994 were yet to receive some of the promises made to them during that period.
She urged the federal government to do more for the boys than the usual presidential handshake.
“Whatever promises the government makes this time, should be fulfilled so that these players can remain patriotic,” she said.
Another member representing Agege Constituency 2, Yinka Ogundimu, said the lesson Nigerians should learn from the victory is that “most times we go abroad to look for what is available at home. If we can always look inward, we can always get what we want.”
Congratulating the team, Moshood Oshun, representing Lagos Mainland Constituency 2, said the team’s coach, Stephen Keshi, had made the country proud.
He also urged that the country should always make adequate preparations for future tournaments rather than the usual rush to meet deadlines.
According to him, “many Nigerians thought we were going to lose to Ivory Coast; they never believed in both the players and the coach, but they have made us proud.”
Speaker of the House, Adeyemi Ikuforiji, who supported Olatunji-Edet’s position, however lamented that many Nigerian heroes have died in extreme poverty after serving the country meritoriously.
He said only through fulfilment of promises made to them will the team continue to aim at victory for the country. The lawmakers also urged the state government to host the players as soon as possible.
—Eromosele Ebhomele