Rashidi Yekini we heard died penniless. Gringory and a few other past heroes (permit me to call them heroes) also died broke. The guy you see above is Bilyaminu, popularly known as Billy the Kid, a former Nigerian international boxer who won several titles in the 80s. Now he's battling mental illness and lives in a makeshift home near a dump site in Ebute Metta, Lagos.
Some people found out about his condition and are trying to rehabilitate him. They are also calling on the federal government to help the former boxer.
Which brings me to our topic of the day. These people raised the Nigerian flag in their various fields, and now that they've fallen on hard times, does the government have a responsibility towards them? Please share your thoughts!
166 comments:
Apart from that,they dont even have national awards but give it to corrupt people.
IF UR WAITING FOR NIGERIA POLITICIAN'S TO REMEMBER U YOUR WASTING UR TIME-ONLI WHITES AND GOOD COUNTRIES LIKE SOUTH AFRICA CAN.NIGRIA IS A FAILED STATE IMAGINE A HERO IS BURIED IN A SMALL HOLE NAWA OOOO----WETIN CONSIGNCE LILSPICER(OMO-IWO)www.twitter.com/lilspicer
i dunno if they shud be the governments responsibilty but they shud be recognised more...that myt help
"Thy labour of our heroes' past shall never be in vain." Given the circumstances, it seems that they have been in vain. The government should really put effort to keep acknowledging these people who have done something tangible for us in one way or the other. But the cloud of corruption and greed blinds us
The Government has responsibilities to deliver to every citizen which they have failed to, so it is no surprise that they have failed national heroes of the past. Yet people wonder why the likes of Sidney Sam, Alaba, Francis Obikwelu et al choose to stake other nationalities.
Moral of the epistle is that waiting for corrupt Nigerian system to take care of people like this is like expecting sunshine at midnight.
The foolish n useless govt sure has responsibilities over them! Its really sad seeing this people rot away this way!
Yea...I actually tink d gov owe dem as much as a lil help...I min,they put us on d map..n doz daes..
So sad!!
When are we going to learn that our government is useless. But as you have asked I believe that they should help because these men have added value to the Nigerian name. But seeing as we all know our government is nothing to write home about. It is time we all take care of one another. Help the nearest to you. The boy selling gala on the street, the cab guy that went to school and is stuck in taxi driver work. Let us all do our own individual bit, we will see this country grow and gt better.
My first answer for Billy the Kid will be no under normal circumstances. However, in normal circumstances, he would have been paid his proper dues so that he would have had an opportunity tofend for himself. Failure to do so would be partly his fault. I would argue that for Rashidi, his playing for NIgeria pushed him into the limelight. He played international and was paid his dues. How and whether he managed it well is up to him. IF he dies penniless and poor, I'd have a hard time blaming Nigerian govt. Sports is a business model. Businesses succeed and fail. Government cannot resuscitate all failed businesses
Linda u sooo rite its a very sensitive topic! Nd it rili breaks my hart most times wen I tink abt truly am not usually encouraged to go d extra mile for dis country! Wen our so called president honored certain individuals nd of which I knw dey deserve it in one or d other but their much more important individuals who hv done nd achieved great tins for dis conutry for example d man dat designed our flag biko where is he today dat man deserves to b honored remembered for a great thing he did for our country but I don't blame d govt afterall we don't hv regards for our national flag bcos if we do we will know d importance nd value wat dis man did
Folowwme on twitter @lilspicer NIGERIA A FAILED BORING STATE U GO OLD TURN TO ODUMEGWU CHUKU CHUKU BFORE DEM RECOGNISE U IF NA POLITICIANS NW DEM GO MAKE NOISE RUBBISH
I want to believe that the Govt is in a way responsible for them. I remember watching on tv the man who designed our national flag, his house was a total mess, he wasn't feeding well, no money, and NewsLine had to make his situation known to the public. These are people who have done the country proud locally and internationally, they shld be rewarded especially when they cant help themselves. In the UK they give them titles, money, housing and co. They are like royalty, but here they are left to die in penury. We don't value nothing in this country.its just so sad
We easily place curse on players that give their clubs preference over Nigeria, athletes that choose to give below their best to the country.
The truth is that the FG has proved that Nigeria is not worth dying for. If you die for 9ja you're on your own. To serve nigeria is not by force O.
What has happened to the family of those that died during the subsidy removal protest.
Abeg........leave story.
The govt owes every citizen in dat situation a hand.
hey Linda it depends on what you call national heroes, Veteran soldiers and other govt officials of the old do deserve some sort of remembrance when they are less relevant in their field. the trouble is with Nigeria, success is of the present while history remain useless and there is no successful country wifout a history. when a man serve his country, he should be remembered when he is no longer serving and that is the only way you can encourage the younger generation to do the same for the country. having said that, if a celebrity become less relevant in his own field and broke i think its for the public or whoever he influenced during his time that can help not the govt. If you ask why most sports men/women from Nigeria are not doing as good as they do in the foreign employments I ll believe its got to do with what they stand to loose if they loose their relevance as a result of their national duties, Nobody will be there for them. Most Nigerian athletes prefer to represent their second nationalities for this same purpose. why give a graduate of geography the job of sports presenter/reporter when there are former medal holders without a job as a result of injuries sustained during their national duties. Rashidi Yekini and the rest will remain out of job while the country outsource their team management jobs and coaches to foreigners yet you expect the US born/based Nigerian footballer to come back and represent the country and break his leg in the process. The govt owes the veterans/ national heroes everything because they gave their life to the service.
Yeah sure cos once a hero, always an hero. Is only in dis country dat they dnt respect their hero dats y @ tyms I don't blame those dat are refusing 2 honor invitation by d country cos they dnt av respect for their Heroes. May God elp us in this Country (Amen).
The government definitely does. A share of the national cake they steal can help our 'heroes' especially those with some form of illness get medical care is better than them buying houses and eating millions worth of food at the villa.
What are all the charity organizations constantly set up doing too? Spending the monies they collect on themselves huh?
In his case, the sports ministry should help first or solicit for funds to help one of their own. Charity begins at home Biko! I heard Rashidi Yekini suffered from bipolar as well. Nigeria, We have a long way to go!
A verse in the Nigerian national anthem says.."The labor of our heroes past shall never be in vain ",but how true is this, with the situation of people like Billy The Boxer who brought several honors to his father land is not only homeless but eats from hand to mouth. Linda my opinion is that our government owe them a lot. Mayowa Sobanjo
The govt has a responsibilityy towards all its citizens,nott just the past heroes dat havve fallen on hardtimes.put basic infrastructure in place,light good roads,create job oppotunities,medicare etc.dere are people who though not popular,were well 2 do and later fell on hard times,tthey don't need to b a past hero b4 they shld be rrehabilitated,so in other words d gov shld care about all its citizens by d above mentioned points,thanks. Akpevwe
hello. always enjoy ur blog. regarding this topic,maybe i am been harsh but i don't think the government parse owe them anything.rather most of this heroes shd have belong to one body/association or the other
these bodies shd request for aid if necessary. government cant be responsible for every failure in a persons life
Hmmmn, it is just sad that Nigeria forgets their heros, and people who have fought for the well being of the NIgerian state!!look at the way resheedi yakinee died in abject poverty...... So yu mean even KANU NWANKOR, JJ OKOCHA couldn't give him 1mil at least?!..haaaaabbaaaa....so sad. #the scots are vexing!!!
What do u mean permit u to call them heroes just becos someone is broke or ill that dnot mean d r not heroes nig has to d more
yes the gov deserve to make provisions available to them
the govt definitely does owe them.these r men that brot positive attention to our nation,they should not be left to suffer hardship,in fact anytime i see them like this,my heart breaks.pls they should be helped as much as possible......jamar
I feel dey shud hv invested d money dey made wen dey were shinning cos am sure dey made a lot of money
The govt owes them recognition which we all know that they have failed to do but what did some of them do to help themselves is the question,they made money and fame but to be honest some of them misused it
Of course the Govt. owes them!!!! In developed countries, once you serve your country, you and your family are provided with the basic necessities for life!
The govt owes them recognition which we all know that they have failed to do but what did some of them do to help themselves is the question,they made money and fame but to be honest some of them misused it
Wen I heard about rasheed yekini death I wrote some stuff on twitter abt our government not helping wen he need help but amount of ppl including my friends bashing me like attacking me that he was making million during his time dat why can't him save for his retirement, why can't he invest his money to secure d future. I was young girl during his days of glory so am not sure wat he worth but on twitter dey said he was getting around £10,000 a week during his time. So if dis is true where is all dat money gone? I stil remember wen he got married to my grandmother student in university of Ibadan, miss kemi olumo dey live in apata Ibadan I think I was abt 13yrs old and I went wit my grandma to d weding it was a reli society weding during dat time but I think dat marriage didn't last for 3month bcos dey got separated during their honeymoon abroad. He beat kemi on honeymoon and she lost her pregnancy she came back alone to Nigeria wearing a night wear. If u live in Ibadan or attend uni wit kemi u wil definitely testify to dis story. If u think abt everything u wil think does anyone caused him bcos I heard he's not gud wit women only
God knows wat went wrong, but I stil stand on my word our government need to help our heroes...
linda post my comments o!
cry not my beleaguered!!! thy labour of our heroes past shall neva b in vain ? to serve with..??? OHH 9JA!!! /ud/
Dis pple wrkd deir youthful dys 2 mke our nation proud,now d nation isn't doing anytn 4 dem. So patheti d Nigerian government is suffering from poverty of d mind. Oma se oh
Yes dey ve. Dey need to help dem no mata how small @least 2 show dat d govt didnt 4get wot dey did 4 dem den.
Linda you need to be verifying things before you post them.Rashidi Yekini did not die penniless, i live some houses away from his house in Ibadan, in fact sometimes he is seen helping people in his neighbourhood.I don't know about others you mentioned.Our government isn't the caring type and i don't think they will ever do something to help these people, our leaders are guided by the "steal all the money available" syndrome.The government owes care not only to the heroes but also to everyone.The major problem we have is corruption and once that is stopped in all forms and the right people are elected, monumental progress would be attained in this country.
Bolaji
Never ask what your country can do for you but what you can do for it.
Everybody is responsible for Rashidis Death, top on the list Nigerian Govt for always neglecting important things and people
Also His fellow players okocha, kanu and the rest that were fortunate to have made it.....at least if NFA no get sense, them suppose get sense help their former colleague
Nigeria Govt no dey help all this people when they are sick or in pain its when they are dead they give their families money and do befitting burial.....
None whatsoever! Its not only in naija that u have washed out celebrities, they are in d US and UK too (eg tyson and a whole lot of others that have gone bankrupt). They should be able to manage their funds. Its just like the likes of jim iyke and other artistes (eg davido and wizkid) wasting their money on women, cars and parties, feeling like they are bigger than everybody else and going broke later, and u want the govt to help them? Hell no!
The FG is a traitor...using and dumping people! Can't wait for OBJ's turn
The present should learn from the past so as to make a better future for themselves.
The Govt. State or Federal do NOT owe them a kobo.
Did they make money? Local and foreign currency? -Yes
Did they live out their lives well and enjoyed - Yes.
Did they worship and bless pastors - Yes
Did they invest wisely - NO
Did they put money away for the rainy day or old age - NO
Did they buy health insurance - NO
Did they invest in first class education for their children at home or abroad? - No
Did they pay into any form of programme or charity- NO
Did they pay tithes - NO
Did they join forces to change Nigeria and its deep corruption? - Nope, because Nigeria is worse of today than their era.
I AM NOT JUDGING!!!!
They had their opportunity and the blew it. The govt should use their money wisely otherwise the country will be broke. The govt should invest in free education for all, provide health care for all,give clean water, electricity invest in science and technology and clean up terrorism and compete with other advanced nations. We are 50 years old and nothing to show for it?
Look at Ghana or South Africa!
We see the decay and aesthetic nuisance being flaunted around as wealth and we hail them -however more often than not we condemn these pathetic sightings through blogs like LIB. And when their night falls we are expected to pay for their folly?
I say these fallen people should serve as an example of today's young millionaires and billionaires -you can not carry on as though there is no tomorrow or the night will not come.
Not to be harsh I will implore generous hearted and "rich" individuals to help them if they can or they can apply to charities.
There are many educated and less educated looking for the least opportunity that need help too.
Linda na waaa for you o. Help them how?Where is it done? There are lots and lots of them here in the US abeg. E channel even has a programme for them. Lol. The earlier these upcoming ones start saving for their future the better. So u are telling me thet 20 years later, if don jazzy or dbanj should need money, that the govt should assist, after they finish squandering their billions now? Mbanu! They should learn how to invest abeg. As for davido, if care is not taken he would look worse that the guy in d picture later, infact worse than majek fashek. Its better for him to start investing now o, cos pple will never for all his rich big boy things he is doing now o. Govt doesn't owe them a dime, not even kobo!
very sad.federal govt would rather recognise and honour the rich in our society than to help the broke natioanl heroes.
Nigeria does not owe them anything. we are all equal.. celebrities, stars and every other person on the streets should be equal. if the Nigerian govt owe them anything, then they also owe me and you and every other person there looking for daily bread!
Our leaders are just so heartless,they act like they dont have blood flowing in their veins.ah naija *smh.
Linda,please try and be editing your work before posting, it's "Bilyaminu" not Biliaminu.
"Popularly known as", not "popularly know".
Back to the topic at hand: I think that Nigeria has a poor reward system. But my answer to your question is yes and no. Yes, the government needs to establish a system that rewards people for their hardwork and achievements.
Also no, because sometimes, such persons ordinarily shouldn't be dying penniless. Take Rashidi Yekini for instance, he wasn't meant to die poor. Such pple were probably "rich" or at least financially buoyant and stable at a point in their lives, but due to bad investments(we cannot rule this out), they lost their monies. Sometimes it is mismanagement of funds.
To cut the long story short, the reward system should be made better and the "heroes", as you call them, should be paid not just handsomely but very handsomely at the get go, so that they will have enough money for the rainy days after they retire from their field(whether acting, sports, etc). Because it isn't he government's responsiblity to pay actors(it's the film studio/producer). Such public figures should be given financial gifts by the government, so as to encourage the public figures to keep doing what they do.
yes the govt owes them. i dont think their situation is encouraging to young talent. i wouldnt want to spend my life representing my country when i know i wil end up broke and miserable. this is disgraceful.
Oh dear Lord, this is so wrong.
Nigeria is a country that never ceases to amaze me. Every Sunday, christians are at church (some go everyday). Every Friday, moslems are at their mosques. Yet its so difficult to practice what we teach or what we are taught. Love God, love our neighbours. This is hardly done in Nigeria.
I think is a yes and no answer. do you know that the government never gave Yekini and the other team members the flat promised them in 1994 (9ja can do better).
If anything is promised give it to them remembering that they never enjoy anything government when training to get all those award for 9ja.
The Government might not necessarily owe a responsibility of looking after their heroes because there is a presumption that such heroes ought to have made and invested their money during their hey-days. With this aside, I find it rather hypocritical that the Government will then come forth after tragedy has struck to empathhize or sympathize......if they are. Eventually going to do this, they ought to have played a major role in such fallen hero's life, instead of feasting on the little honour the hero brought to Nigeria...... A.I.J
In our national anthem, we have "the labor of our heros past shall not be in vain", what we are seeing today is clearly the opposite of that; someone should please remove those wordings from our anthem. The government of today is busying stealing our money, enriching themselves and family, forgetting what they swore to; God and only God can save this country. Fred
Dear lindacious,anybody that works hard or dies 4ds illegal country no mata how righteous may nt make heaven cos it's a crime.America cnt treat it's citizens lyk ds.yekini mental illness,ds guy d same.We shuld luk out 4 eachoda NGO'S shuld help.linda put up help lines nd account number let's help him nd oda's.
Nooooooooooo. After they made tons of money and wasted everything. Government should help the malnourished pple in rural areas and other pple who do not have the opportunity to make money no the ones that spent theirs on frivolities. I don't support it at all. They should go back to the pple they spent money on and ask for help.
Very big responsibility! Der shud b a foundation to cater for dem nd dia imediate families.
This is wat happens wen u don't save for d rainy sides. But then again this pple have bn dere for Nigeria,they shuld recipocrate.
Let's put it this way! So if tuface wastes his money on child support and making babies, govt should now come and help him later when he goes broke? Whose fault is it that they did not save money. That's the thing wit all these so called celebs, living in denial and not knowing they money will stop coming in one day. Some of them even treat their fans any how, yet u expect me to approve for govt to help them from the taxes I paid? Its not like they weren't paid for their work, they were paid like other hardworking nigerians so what makes them special? Abegi! They have friends and families, they should help them. For those that forget their families and friends when they had money, I pity them.
Linda,Pls verify facts very well before you post on your blog,Rasheed Yekini never died penniless,he was even giving out to the less privilegde till he passed on.
While I sympathize with our "heroes", I believe that the Government's responsibility towards these people starts and stops with some good quality education in financial management, retirement planning (pensions).
I can't comment on the amount of their remuneration during their active years in service but I can definitely say that some were well remunerated/ rewarded in one way or the other. That you made the country proud at some point or the other does not earn you a life time welfare card (at least I'd hate for a welfare promise by the Govt to be my ultimate pension plan). Even if it was constitutional, there'd always be a 'pharaoh that will not know joseph'. So our "heroes" should take serious responsibility for their post retirement welfare as should anyone in active service whether footballer, boxer, musician etc.
I won't be surprised if the likes of amokachi or the footballer that recently bought the very experience sport car turn around in a few years and begin to claim that they did Nigeria proud hence are entitled to some welfare package. That will just be crazy. Make hay while the sun shines, the ants gather during the summer that they may have food during the winter.
The same goes for every professional in Nigeria, whether you are a musician winning grammies for the country or the continent. I'm sure these guys' earnings are not even taxed. They should also play their popularity card well and extend their active years by giving back to the society through participation in charities, establishment of training institutes for aspiring youths in their respective fields of endeavor. It is easier for Government or other well meaning institutions to buy into these initiatives than to just see to so called Heroes welfare.
Most important thing is to plan for your future. Until Nigerian Government establishes a sustainable welfare scheme for the less privileged citizens of Nigeria (and even though they do), I won't place a bet with my own life. - #mytwocents
Linda if na joke stop am o! Where is it done? Abeg abeg! Who told them to waste their money? Where were they when other hardworking pple were investing. Some of these pple made what we make in a 5years in one week and yet they are broke 10 years down the line. They earned money for their services abeg so the govt doesn't owe them anything.
Its a pity, Nigerian leaders should always remember this past heroes,i feel for the man.
Its a pity, Nigerian leaders should always remember this past heroes,i feel for the man.
National anthem: Arise O' compatriots.....To serve our fatherland.....the labor of our heroes past shall never be in vain. I guess that should answer ur question.
Dey ones lifted d name of d country,dey shud b helped wen needed.
I don't want to come across as being heartless but the government DOES NOT OWE them anything. They were 'heroes' and they got their dues back then. How they chose to spend their lives is not the fault of the government neither does the government have to take care of them for the rest of their lives. A government official might choose to be benevolent and help them but I do not think taxpayers' money should be spent on them...let's stop being sentimental in Nigeria and be real. How many developed countries spend taxpayers' money on saving a past hero???
I wouldn't necessarily call it a debt it's more like an obligation. I mean it only sounds right for these guys to be given a helping hand in theiir dire moments if nt by government bt by well meaning Nigerians who appreciate them for putting Nigeria on d map. If for anything bt to save face, cos we know some of them lead reckless lives and are the cause of their own penury. Wud the American government allow Neil Armstrong d guy who 1st landed on d moon to die in poverty or of one preventable ailment??? I PRAY OH!
The government really owe them a lot. They have brought glory to the nation that can never be clear. There should be some welfare program especially those that are not buoyant. They should not be far from them at least they should know condition once a year.
No they won't take are of those that actually made us proud,it's former thieves in the name of presidents that they will think of providing lifetime allowances for. MTCHEWWW. God will help them
Easily the worst country on earth to sacrifice a strand of hair on your head for is Nigeria.
Lol.dis av bin pondering on 4 awhile now.and thank God dis questn was asked.and am asking now.wen u knw d kindda country u r frm y wldnt u invest?av cm 2 a cnclusn dat in naija d period of time u r bin recognised is wen u av had value 2 d country.after den nuffin else
Hmmm....I advise that pple shld learn responsibity 4 themselves and as such,if u are lucky 2 b recognised by ur pple 4 ur achievements,pls dont take it 4 granted,value it by investing wisely 4 d future especially when u come frm an impoverished country that care less about the social welfare of it's citizenry.
I might sound harsh, but govt owes them nothing! I said it. They were successful in their fields. It behooves on them to use their celebrity to good effect. Yekini played in europe and enjoyed the dollar rain that all other eagles enjoyed @ USA94! He didn't die penniless, cos atleast he had tenants in a house in ibadan. In other countries, celebs n national heroes try to re-invent themselves everytime. They all fall on hard times if they don't; @ some point even Gary Coleman (goodtimes) worked as a security guard to survive!
If they appeal to the FG or FG wants to help them out, there is no problem with that. But they should not have that attitude that the FG owns them something. They have to take responsibilities for their actions. Most of them are the cause of their own misfortunes.
the government should not be blamed for every thing. what about his family and friends? former colleagues and associates? neighbours? fact is if these people closest to him have not tried o help him, what do you expect the government to do? in the case of Mr Yekini, his former teammaes alike JJ Okocha and Amokachi, Siasia are relatively well to do, and could have supported him if they cared. our govt is useless (we all know) so do your part for your nrighbour.
Its a shame that the few people that give our country a good name are being left to die like this while nfa,ministry of sports officials etc are stealing billions. I'm sure some of these dying heroes could use an extra 50k a month! While our shameless leaders travel abroad for "medical check-up". There is fraud in every single sector of our government and billions are being stolen every day! Maybe the private sector can help, Linda if u know any credible ngo or organisation that can help people like this let us know so we can join hands since there is no hope in sight from govt. Thanks.
Chris
The Government owes them nothing Linda... There are over 100 million Nigerians out there and they were lucky to be chosen to represent us.
Fine they did well but do not forget most of the guys also got paid or compensated massively. I was still a kid when I use to hear Yekini had fleet of cars. He not only played in Nigeria he plied his trade in Spain, France and the Middle East. Come on how do you expect Government to be responsible if he then goes broke. Billy the kid here won several titles and he was always paid, he didn't fight for free. I'm not beefing or anything because I adore most of this guys a lot but they chose to leave their lives like this and in this country where Government is not even responsible enough to it's primary duties. You shouldn't expect any favours.
I am not that good a writer but I'm sure you guys understand what I mean here. You all remember when we heard Amokachi went broke... The guy picked himself back up and he is now relevant and comfortable.
of course the government ows them a lot> They are one one the best things ever to come out of this ..... country. Its not fair but well its a known fact that Nigerians dont love eachother hence this situation. Sad
It depends. Where they paid. If they were then its none of the govt biawax
The Federal Government owe them everything. its the duty of the government to making sure they enjoy good health and live well but reverse is the case, the day this guy will die his state government will be condole family donating millions dat would have save their lives and make more useful to the society. i remember last year a tv station went to locat yekini still the government did't do anything about it but now dat he is dead every is singing his praise. Why do we always like celebrating the dead? well for me its witchcrafe we need to change these attitude, and celebrate our living heros so dat when they die, they will be fulfill. thanks LI
Yes, the Govt does have a role to play to see that these 'heroes' who have done us proud at a certain time in the nation's growth are well assisted. But in the case of Nigeria, where the govt is too busy attending to oil bunkering, subsidy, hiking fuel price and nepa tariff, BH,collecting grants,attending summits and parties,condemning what you can't correct. We as a people can try to do what we can to assist the people, so they know that people care about them. We can't wait for Govt all the time.
Dis country is dead...gov has responsibility to our heroes...
Of course it is the governments duty! What is the government there for? Is it not to protect the interest of the people???these people represented the country in various endevours!now that they need help,its d duty of d govt to assist dem,it does not have to be federal or even state level,those house of reps,commisioners,local govt chairmen and councillors can step up to take charge! Instead of putting aside govt finances for their personal gain,these are the everyday lives they should set out to affect positively!
nigeria is a place where no recognition is given to persons who hv contributed to glory but persons who hv looted are celebrated
It's pathetic that the government of Nigeria couldn't save these people from poverty.
Linda, they are not heroes, words like "icons" or "legends" can suffice
govt have responsibilities towards it citizens in general but this is not the case in Nigeria.were everyone live for now without nothing for the future this is pathetic.
Nope. why should the government have a responsibility towards them?they were employed like some of us and didnt have a plan for their future. what happened to investments?suddenly, they are poor and we blame government?abeg!how many will the government carry?
the government does owe it to its citizenry to be sensitive and empathetic, esp those who have represented the country in one way or another....the failings of government; their oversight may even have birthed MTN's 'who deserves to be a millionaire'....
if the government will not have our back..... other corporate bodies stalling.... Individuals can only do so much....
RIP fallen heroes....
GOD BLESS NIGERIA.
I think the government needs to wake up, it actually not fair, if politicians are looting millions and billions of naira for doing nothing then why can’t we put a little portion aside for these heroes
My first post on ur blog..
Frankly speaking, some of those heroes made some mad money during their time and the govt was not responsible for their spending spree on jets cars etc.. Forgive me for making references but fast forward a few years from now, can someone like Celestine Babayaro or Mikel claim to be broke and the govt ain't paying attention,, truth is YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR WELL BEING.. So save for the rainy day.. Nigeria has 150 million ppl to take care of, be lucky its only urself
Lanrei
While we have a duty to respect fellow humans but it must be realised that everyone has taken his due from the Govt when they represented the nation in different competitions. They were paid their dues and some invested wisely while other wasted their earnings on riotous living. It is unfair to blame government for personal failures of our athletes and the rest. These people got paid handsome money in their heyday. If you live your life recklessly why should we blame government. Efforts were made to assist Yekini but he refused and I learnt he was a loner even in his playing days. However, there is a need for general improvement in healthcare and general living condition of people so that adverse happenings can be dealt with without same becoming personal and national embarrassment.
Well, when these heroes where raising the Naija flag with the various talents God gave them why did they not put money away for hard times? The only heroes America and other countries take care of are war and military heroes. The only thing Naija owes these folks are great running hospitals and rehab centers. Have asked Mohamed Ali what the government gives him for? Nothing I bet you. All those rich folks Oliver DeCoque sang about, did they die rich? Most of them, died poor. Naija people only live and save for today not for future. It is high time folks start learning about 401K, IRA, life insurance, health insurance, CD's et al besides pension. They need to learn how to put away money for future.
I know they were heroes at a time in their lives but we should also consider that at those times they were making good money. Why did they not plan for their future by re-inventing themselves when the going was good?
We should not be quick to say that the government did not take care of them,what about the families an people around them then?
In my opinion,the Government does not owe them anything at all. If the government cannot provide amenities and infrastructure for the nation that is entitled to it,govt will definitely not remember the said "heroes".
of course they do. When the righteous are in power the people rejoice, that's what my bible tells me. Our so called ex-governors and presidents collect entitlements but people that have served this nation collect nothing. Its a pity, I feel so bad and sorry for these people because they done so much for a nation that don't recognize them. To pay pensioners is wahala, God help us. We need God divine intervention speedily.
Oh my God! Ds is pathetic....Govt sure owes dem some form of "caring" it won't cost dem anytg. Ds is so so sad!
All dz "heros" that wnt invest there money wisely...mtchw! next pls!!!
What did they do with their money wen they were at the peak of their career?its not everytime we always backlash the govt for every single thing or for our personal failure.....e.g We saw the case of Mike Tyson how he fell from grace to grass & how he's trying to pick himself up from the pieces........If they had invested their resources or engaged in other beneficial tin too,i guessed that would have been helpful.
our government is good at neglecting those who have at one time or the other made this country proud. but they give national honours and other "additives" to crooks.
Sorry for him.....wish i could help
Wow its really sad. Our country is messed up! Mtschew!
The government does not owe them anything. We've got to take responsibility for our own lives and if we fail to, family and friends may play a supportive role ... but waiting for the government to save every footballer, boxer, pilot, innovator, student with the best WAEC result, actor (on goes the list) is unsustainable. So for Rashidi Yekini and Billy the Kid it is unfortunate. On the other hand, there are success stories. Chioma Ajunwa of Olympic gold fame was said to have risen up to DPO rank in the police force most recently ... I guess at the end, its the decisions we all make that counts.
the government has a responsibility to ALL its citizens whether they were national heroes or not.government should pls do something about this....Haba
It is sad to read stories like this, but even sadder is the fact that most of these heroes bring upon themselves the sad situation they find themselves in. Yes they represented the country and did the nation proud in their various fields of endeavour for which they were handsomely paid. None did it for free, most were paid in millions and had the opportunity of travelling the world over. The question is where did all that money go? Many don't have plans for the future at all and when they have frittered away all of their life's money on wine and women and are now living in penury, they remember they were national heroes and feel we owe them. Yes i believe something should be done and a good place to start would be to ensure that those currently engaged in representing the country learn from these stories and begin to save towards their future.
Yeah, d govt. Sure has a responsibility twds dem. Esp. Those that are ill. They've made d country proud b4, so d country shld make dem proud too. God help them all.
yes i think the govt owe them some care, bcs they should hv decided not to use their talent to make the country proud and nothing will happen but instead they gave there very best to the nation.for me the govt shld pls encourage the up-coming heros.
In my Opinion i think Nigerian leaders are self centered, ingrates and wicked, many, who one way or the other raised the banner of our great nation where left to face the hard times of life, and these are the people who went through hell to keep this nation's name and flag soaring high but unfortunately they are been abandoned the same is the case of my uncle Akinkunmi Taiwo who designed the flag of Nigeria. Our leaders should arise and help this people to get back on their feet, the reason why they dedicated their lives and strenght to the development of Nigeria is for their offspring not to suffer, but reverse is the case.
D govt.hav d responsibility 2 serve those people since they hav serve the govt.when they are hale and healthy
Yes,Linda.In my opinion i think the government owes these past heroes a little token for lifting our nations flag high in their prime. This will ginger up the youths to excel and contribute meaningfully to the nations growth. Pls publish my comment.
now lets do d analysis like this:
In western world, athletes that v lifted their countries flags and so on are not catered for by govt after retirement from govt coffers, but we all know that n those countries their system has catered for everyone up till old age, d system wl not make u rich or richer but cater for ur basic needs, while representing their respective coutries they were well paid, and you & i know its no small dough, but due to carelessness and frivolities some of them squander these monies, but then if our own govt had put our social security in place while u were n active service some of ur money v been saved for u and expecting that in ur old age, u'll get a cheque @ d end of each month from the monies that were taken out years ago, not someone sitting on all d money like what we see @ d police pension fund, where d retirees were dying on queue waiting for their pensions while some idiots had eaten all d monies, where all oldies and sick can go to get medical treatment, accommodation and so on, life wld v been much easier for these guys even n retirement, even if they are not buoyant anymore, its a pity we r n a system thats upside down
Linda shon u no get yans again,are we here to always share thoughts?remember u hv competitors so buckle up.d guy in question should put his money where his mouth is.are we not all national heroes #NEXT#
and let me add, that even when d social security has been put in place, there's nothing wrong if any of these past heroes get sick and the govt step in to help just like any other citizen, like d one u Linda blogged about months ago, that needed surgery, those r d things our govt shd take care off, esp @ the local level and state level, for crying out loud these guys get allocations? so what do they do wt all these monies????????????????????
Wow...ok,so without being judgmental...i just wonder what these people did with the money they earned during their glory days. Look at Chioma Ajunwa for example..
Did they invest anything or did they fritter it away on nothingness? Yoruba proverb says "Alejo lowo, e f'owo toh nko"
That said, i really feel sad @ Biliaminu's state. Lets know hw we can help. Hopefully the money wont be siphoned into personal pockets#straightface
The question although appears simple is a complicated one and has no single answer. We can consider it from two standpoints - legal and moral.
I will focus on sport. The relationship between Nigeria and her sportsmen and women is not that of a father-son but of employer-employee. Why? A father nurture his child through his/her development stages and do everything possible to make his/her a success. When the child reaches the right age, he is expected to bring glory to the family. If he falls back into hard times, the father and the family has a moral right to rally around him and help him break through.
An employer picks up the finished or nearly finished products after he/she has been groomed, hire them, pay them and enjoy the glory they bring. You have the power to take as much as you could from the employer especially if you are the star. When you can no longer serve or when they find someone better than you, they dump you or graciously usher you out. They are not bound morally to help if the staff later fall on bad times, but might be legally bound, albeit depending on agreement reached before or while the romance lasted.
Personally and ideally, I believe the relationship should be that of a father-child. It should be a lifelong mutually rewarding relationship rather than a business-oriented one. I could go on and on, but these are discussions for another day and another place...
You are what u make out of life. The government owes them nothing, but can assist in making life better for them. One must continue to strive for success and avoid being dependent, hero or no hero.
is unfortunate that some of these heroes are responsible for there present conditions today why did i say so,dey all made a lot of money,and what did dey use dere money for rather they use there money on women & drugs etc forgetting dat dere is tomrrow and dey need to invest there money.
answering the question if the government has any responsibility towards them to me No.but in cases like mental disoder kidney failure illness dat the family can not raise the money the government can assist but government has no responsibility towards dere upkeep.
also the government can provide job opportunity for immidate family.
my advice to our celebrities is to thnk of tomrw invest for future purposes and learn from what is happening to their colleagues.
HE who has Ears Let Him Here.
It ȋ̝̊̅§ J̶̲̥̅̊u̶̲̥̅̊ƨ̣̣̣̇̇̇̇τ̣̣̥ a waist o̶̲̥̅̊f̶̲̥̅̊ time serving D̶̲̥̅̊i̶̲̥̅̊s country...
EVRY NIGERIAN WHO ENGAGES IN HONEST BIZ IN A ANY PART OF D WORLD IS RAISING D FLAG. EX SPORTSMEN/MEDIA MEN R NT MORE HEROIC DAN D MOTHER WHO SELLS VEG TO SUPPORT HER FAMILY. FACT IS DEY HAD DR OPPORTUNITIES N PAINS LIKE EVRY ODA NIGERIAN SO GOVT DOESNT OWE DEM MORE THAN SHE OWES EVRY CITIZEN A SOCIAL WELFARE STRUCTURE
The government sure owe this people. because they have at one time or the other raised the flag of this nation, but what baffles me is that, they dont get recognised now until they die, then d government starts to donate chicken change to their family. its sad mehnn
WELCOME TO MY COUNTRY, where you are only appreciated after your Death. When those heroes are struggling to Live after making the country proud in their youth nobody will come to their aid, especially the Government, but when they Die that is when you will see them showing up for the funeral...Shameless Leaders
Hmmm nawa for our government,will they tell me they dnt no abt dis case?tell me y I would even encourage ma kids to represent 9ja in any competion?its high tym government starts treatin our heroes like the western world would do to dere heroes.
In severe cases like dis, d govt shld b able 2 rehabilitate him..wel, anoda HERO is Me, please i also need rehabilitation,im so short of cash ryt ere!--& i tink i myt go psyched soon!--
Very interesting question Linda. Permit me to hit the nail directly on the head by pointing out the fact that those who see govt as their almighty saviour will be disappointed and put to shame. Govt's responsibility is to create an enabling environment for the citizens to live successful lives. Although we all know that govt has ignored this responsibility of theirs, the truth however remains that govt is not responsible for keeping at the top, those who made it to the top. Nigerians should know how to draw the line between rights and privileges.
We can only blame govt if they requested for assistance and govt turned a deaf ear.
U just said my mind my dear! They are suffering from their own bad choices and lack of savings and investments.
I don't think d govt owes them anything, bt the govt should b able to reach out to them especially in their time of need. I don't necessarily think this pple made soooo much money back then as compared to now; hence, a reason for being broke at their old age. Even if they did make a lot of money, don't u think the money would have been exhausted by their failing health? In the case of this dude, James iroha and so on, they battled illnesses for years and dat gotta suck their pocket dry until they are left penniless and start looking for outside help. I think it would be nice if the govt stepped in, if not for anything, just by remembering how dis pple brought honor to our country. #The end#
Its apalling to see how people who once made this country proud are neglected later on. compared to other countries that valuie their heroes, Nigeria has not done anything to show these people that they care about them, if not, why do the friends and family of these people bleed and plead for assistance. this is so unfair. This is why i wont stop saying that Nigeria is not worth my sweat, if i sweat in Nigeria, it is for my family and closest friends, not for a nation that keeps deceiving themselves and others.
one thing i have come to know about Nigeria/African is, we can build the mightiest of them structures but we cant sustain and maintain it for long......that is the same thing we are battling with in various areas. our entertainment industry only began to gain recognition recently because of the high rate of death.these peoples brought another form of relaxation for us but they were also paid back then though wasn't much which is the reason a few of them have little or nothing to show.
the govt should strive and encourage them(though it is difficult for govt to even pay pensioners).
i hope our present entertainers are learning from all dis instead of taking photos of themselves hugging bank vault or Sanusi or display of irrelevant things that wont pay much in future.
i can suggest govt should help.
Responsibility no, compassion yes.
How was Gringory a national hero?Wsnt he an actor?Correct me if I'm wrng.
What we need to learn from this is that the insurance company's should see this as an emerging market. sport stars, actors, traders also need insurance and pension scheme to help in days like this.
Nigerians need to drop the norm of my brothers or children will take care of me esp when you know its a probability. save for your future and dont spend all your hard earned cash on vain things
feyi. mamowora
Very sensible comment. I heard this guy used all his money to make his health better until d pocket finally dried up. So sad :(
our leaders have made the name NIGERIA TO BE A JOKE.THE PEOPLE THEY PAID DURING CAMPAIGN THOUGHT THEY WERE WISE. NOW THEY ARE TRYING TO GET BACK WHAT THEY HAVE INVESTED WITH INTEREST. YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT CITIZENS WHO SOLD NIGERIA 4 KOBO. IF YOU HAVE EVER COLLECTED BRIBE AS A CITIZEN, YOU HAVE ONE WAY CONTRIBUTED TO NIGERIA HARDSHIP.THE HARDSHIP IS NON OF THE LEADERS FAULT, BUT THE PEOPLE THAT SOLD OUT NIGERIA.
Yes!The Govt do owe them in so many ways:If they were properly taking care of then believe me their plight unwound have been infuriating and pathetic as it's now.However many of them were not educationally wise that is to say illiteracy added to their poverty.So what am trying to say is that Govt should do something to help enhance the living of our past heroes in-other to protect the interest of other rival nations from acknowledging this fact.
ONOME says............
Another sob/victim tear tale.#sigh#
The Govt of Nigeria owes each and every Nigerian a lot of things.Security,good roads,transportation,healthcare,education,jobs,social welfare etc etc.In a country where every house tenant is a local govt chairman onto himself with his "I better pass my neighbour gen",his mayguard etc etc then this your question beggars belief.
Even dogs and cats in England are better treated than Nigerians living in Nigeria.
However I like Nigeira for one thing,the family commitments.So I ask"where was Rashidi Yekini's family during his trying period?Dis they really try enough?I leave them and their conscience to judge
My parents are not one tenth as rich as some of these celebrities you mentioned but I can assure you they have invested wisely in their children's education and in properties.Poverty will thus be very far from them.Be wise folks.You owe it to yourself first to take care of your self.Expect nothing from anyone.INVEST!!!
Well i don't know what their negotiation is with the govt but i think as a reasonable person you have to invest for tomorrow especially at your peak period (when you are seeing the money) knowing the kind of country we are in. Is it not like Obafemi Martin that bought a bullet proof car of 50m,i hope he has invested o is not tomorrow now people will start calling Government (no beef he should enjoy). At least we all know that our government has failed already.
Just because he boxed for Nigeria does not make him a hero. Did he have a plan B to fall back on? The mistake most of our sportsmen make is not to have a plan B for life after retirement. This is why I say kudos to the links of Chioma Ajunwa, Mary Onyali, Jay Jay Okocha, Nwankwo Kanu and all the others who made plans for retirement (PS, do you notice that most of them are Igbo- smart people- no, I am not Igbo but Igala!)
The govt owes them exactly what they owe every single citizen of the country: a decent medical and social services structure. I don't believe playing sports ought to make anyone special...especially when you consider that they were all handsomely compensated by their clubs and also got generous stipends and awards when they represented the country. Playing sports doesn't make you a hero. Now if you want to talk of what the govt owes our retired soldiers and public service employees, that's something else. But sports stars as heroes deserving of special treatment? Heck no!.
If s'one get millions of dollar in earnings, travel d world & yet bcomes poor i think that person should be blame not d govt. I think govt should help all citizens especially those who do not have half d opportunity that this heroes had.
The govt doesn't owe them at all because they have been paid for the services they rendered. They were not just wise enough to save properly. Wen they used the money to carry girls up and down. They didn't just plan ahead. It was their jobs that they did. Jus like now, we now how much all these sport pple are getting and they go broke later on, whatze govt's own? Face the fact and not blame for everything. Broke celebrities abroad are BROKE there's nun the govt can do. Point of correction, the govt is not meant to cater for failed citizens but failed corporations(economics).
Yes these people were our national treasures. They represented us in good times, why should we forget them in bad
Do we have government in this country.
Do we have government in this country.
Heroes or not, the government has a responsibility to every citizen of the nation. In his poem, "And so it came to pass...," Funso Ayejina sums up the root of Nigeria's issues very well. He writes that our so-called leaders are "seeing sideways beyond the good of all / to the comfort of the selves." If you're not familiar with the poem, please find it and read it; it will be worth your time.
As u make your bed, so u lie on it. If a man fails, it's his fault. If he succeeds, it's his fault.
WELL HE WORKED GOT PAID AND SOMEHOW GOT BROKE. DOES NAIJA OWE HIM I SAY NO LIKE SOMEONE ELSE SAID MAYBE COMPASSION FROM THOSE THAT KNEW HIM AT ALL ( I HAVE NO IDEA WHO HE IS). GOVT OFFICIALS MAKING NOISE ABT HOW NAIJA SHLD HAVE TAKEN CARE OF YEKINI AND I ASK WHO IS DIS NAIJA THEY ARE TALKING ABT? EVEN SOME OF HIS EX MATES WHO ARE DOING WELL YET COULDNT CHECK UP ON HIM AND NOW ITS EASY TO BLAME NAIJA OR THE GOVT. LETS FACE IT THOSE WHO HAVE DEVELOPED DID SO BY THINKING "WAT CAN I DO FOR MY COUNTRY AND NOT THE OTHER WAY AROUND".
Sad sad sad
http://abroadtales.blogspot.ca/
Linda, I must confess that this is a very complicated question, I am of the opinion that our govt. should as a matter of urgency open a kind of trust fund to cater for our heroes especially the older ones, because in their active days, sports are not as lucrative as they are today.
But for those who made the nation proud say from 1990 till date, I think the govt. cannot do much for some of them who by sheer lack of foresight squanderd what they earned, instead of investing for the rainy days they prefer to buy tokunbo private jets and marry Egyptian and Tunisian wives. Just like our present footballers are acquiring Lamborghini and Ferrari instead of investing. They are looking at say C R7 or Rooney, forgetting that those guys have economic safety net to fall back on when the chips are down, but in Nigeria if you are down and out nobody send you. Make I reach Booze joint sha....
This o called heroes of ours neverd rendered any service for free 4 naija....
Of course they should..you have to step outside Nigeria to see how Nigerians abroad appreciate 9ja entertainers..they are the only positive thing we have going..love or hate them!!...
In a country that offers no benefits of any kind they should be able to help...not every sportsperson is Mikel Obi..Okocha..Kanu..some are down and out and not in a sport that pays silly salaries or has sponsorship!!
Did they pay any tax to the government when there were earning all that money, sorry to say but some of this people did not save or invest for the future. Like most in power, they think that is where they would die.
Yekini did own his own house..he mental state of mind was his downfall and probably in denial of it..
That mumu Jonathan couldn't even see it fit to send an emissary to Yekini's burial but he could send one to Stephanie's wedding
And some of you making me laugh here..Govt should use the funds for the people..since when..are we talking about the same thieving Govt..eh dem really care offering all sorts of first rate services to its peoples..*yinmu*
Expecting Govt to take care of your future is mischievous mirage. It is common sense that you put your future plans in God's hands and apply wisdom by His grace in your plans. And again are these people (Past Heroes according to Linda) without at least one well to do family member?
I believe the Govt owes them nothing, rather they should have taken advantage of the leverage they created on the platform of National service and soar higher!!! Josh.A
In the US, not only are veterans and great heroes rewarded, the privileges extend to their family members. Nigerian govertment is still backward. I hope this changes soon
Considering the amount our President spends on food, there's no doubt these international recognized figures should be helped.
True talk brother. If all of us that ve opportunities help the less privileged ..
I in korea I send 100$ just 100$ to my Sister to buy food stuffs and Share among this 3people
Every I know is small but it add smile to their faces.
Linda, I think people are getting the concept of "the labour of our hero past .." The labour is the fruit of a good country. If the country is not good as many people can attest to today, it means the labour (if any) has been in vain. These athletes made real money and if the chose to squandered it and became poor, shouldn't people be at least responsible for the choice they make. These people were propelled to international limelight because they competed for Nigeria and were well paid for it. How then can we honestly blame govt for not helping them when they blew away the money. If I have paid a man for the work he did for me, is it fair to expect me to pay him because he lost the money? What of poor people who have never tasted anything good about Nigeria? The solution is attitudinal change to acknowledge that everyday we live, we are closer to our grave.
Pls I can't seem to see d comments on my bb...n I always come here for dose comments...
It is sad that this is allowed to happen to both entertainment stars and other citizens. The government and the public share the responsibility of care towards the needy ones.
It is vital to conquer the stigma associated with mental illness. People need to be educated on nature of mental illness. It is not always "madness". Someone could have a mild depression. If left uncared for it could lead to severe depression.
Many NGOs are all over the places discussing AIDS, but few, if any, are dealing with mental illness and the associated stigma.
The former sportsman should be cared for immediately. Yekini's death should be a wake-up call for action on society's mental health care. The few mental health facilities are already over-stretched with mainly extreme cases.
Anonymous said...
My first answer for Billy the Kid will be no under normal circumstances. However, in normal circumstances, he would have been paid his proper dues so that he would have had an opportunity tofend for himself. Failure to do so would be partly his fault. I would argue that for Rashidi, his playing for NIgeria pushed him into the limelight. He played international and was paid his dues. How and whether he managed it well is up to him. IF he dies penniless and poor, I'd have a hard time blaming Nigerian govt. Sports is a business model. Businesses succeed and fail. Government cannot resuscitate all failed businesses
May 8, 2012 1:05 AM
we can all do our little bit, to appreciate them, mayb raise some funds for some of them, no matter how small.
Fucking Sad!! I Hate Nigeria!
Ex-Government officials have some sort of gratuities that go to them when they leave power/service. In same vein, I think, through the Sport Federations like NFF, NBF (Boxing) and, perhaps the Actors' Guild, there should be some sort of funds that can accrue to members. Like in the corporate world, or even civil service, there are pension funds , which are a structured means of safe-keeping earnings as personal investments that run into the future . If these people can put these measures in place, I'm sure help wouldn't be far away.
For me, the Rashidi Yekini scenario came as a shock as I wasn't in touch which information on him, until i heard that he died. He also had colleagues that are successful, who could have even lifted him from the dusts...though, we still cannot say if they helped at some point. May He Rest in peace .
You re on your own OYO.Naija lo wa.
the government owes the same responsibilities to all citizens hero or not.we just really need a welfare system to take care of indigent peeps. dont think anyone deserves special treatment cos they were famous, afterall they did it for private gains and not for public good.ppl have to invest and save for rainy days and if u fall on hard times in a country like Nig, God help you.
how lomng does it take you to post comments abeg
Yes Government own them a lot,they made the nation proud at certain time in their lifes, in return the country should make them proud too.The least the government can do for them is to offer them Job at the end or during their active stage.
By dr words we shall know dm.U must b takin ur good health n sanity for gGrantd 4 this ur comment.So govt shudnt care for physically or mentally sick heroes?U try
So u dint know dey oWe us all.LOL
i dont pity such pple cos wen dey were on top dey failed 2 manage their success. And i dont expect govt 2 give dem any preferential treatment cos we all nids 2 be taken care of weda u re a hero or nt.
Hello. And Bye.
Post a Comment