An Open Letter To The First Lady Senator (Mrs) Oluremi Tinubu: Please Let The Flamingos Be Honoured!

By Frank Ofili

Madam First Lady,

I watched a video clip of you following the Flamingos’ campaign in the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup final against Japan. In the clip, you were visibly excited, applauding the girls and cheering them on to victory. It was heartwarming to see you identify with these young ambassadors of our country.

At the end of the encounter, the girls did not disappoint. They defeated Japan 2–1 to emerge champions of the world, achieving a historic milestone for Nigeria and African women’s football.

You were understandably thrilled. So were millions of Nigerians who watched with pride as these young girls wrote their names in the history books.

The Flamingos have done Nigeria proud, just as many Nigerian athletes and sporting teams before them have done. From the Super Eagles to the Super Falcons, the Olympic Dream Team, the Golden Eaglets and several other national teams and individual athletes, our sportsmen and women have, at different times, brought honour and international recognition to this country.

These girls deserve to be celebrated, not ignored.

Traditionally, Nigerian leaders, whether civilian Presidents or military Heads of State, have received, celebrated and rewarded our athletes following outstanding performances on the international stage. Such gestures were not merely ceremonial. They were expressions of national gratitude, recognition of hard work and sacrifices, and encouragement to those who carry the Nigerian flag into international competitions.

It is, therefore, disturbing to read reports suggesting that Mr President, your husband, may not receive, host, honour or reward these young champions following their historic achievement.

I sincerely hope these reports are unfounded.

Madam First Lady, we cannot afford to operate a double standard when it comes to recognising and celebrating our sporting heroes. The Flamingos deserve the same national recognition and appreciation that have traditionally been accorded to other Nigerian teams that have brought glory to the country. Their achievement is no less significant because they are young girls or because the competition is at the U-17 level.

Indeed, if anything, their age makes the achievement even more remarkable and deserving of encouragement.

I am, therefore, appealing to you to use your good offices and influence as the First Lady, and as a mother figure to the nation, to prevail on Mr President to receive, host, honour and appropriately reward these young champions and their technical crew.

They have carried Nigeria’s flag high. They have given millions of Nigerians something to celebrate. They have demonstrated that, despite our many national challenges, Nigeria still possesses extraordinary talent capable of conquering the world.

They deserve to be celebrated, not ignored.

Please, Ma, let us not allow this historic achievement to pass without the appropriate recognition from the highest office in the land.

Thank you, Madam First Lady, for your attention and consideration.