Nollywood actor and comedian Ime Bishop Umoh, popularly known as Okon Lagos, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to extend national honours and financial rewards to members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Nigerian Police, and the armed forces — similar to what was recently done for the victorious Super Falcons.
The actor made the call via his Instagram page on Monday, shortly after the Super Falcons were awarded $100,000 each, a three-bedroom apartment, and the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) national honour following their 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) victory in Morocco.
“With specific reference to the Super Falcons and Youth Corps members, I posit that it’s commendable how Mr President is splashing out handsome rewards and incentives for excellent service to our country,” Bishop Umoh wrote.
“It’s more impressive and inclusive that they are not in the political class. I humbly wish to add this as an earnest plea, Mr President sir — please extend this largesse to the Nigerian Police, the military, especially the ones who put their lives on the line at the frontline of war against violence, crimes, terror, and insurgency. There has to be a Nigerian first for all to be Nigerian.”
A Rewarding Gesture That Sparked Debate
President Tinubu’s gesture to the Super Falcons was widely praised for promoting gender equity in sports and honouring non-political achievers. However, it also ignited a debate on fairness and inclusivity, with many Nigerians asking why similar recognition isn’t extended to public service workers and frontline personnel.
Sowore, Others React
Prominent rights activist Omoyele Sowore also weighed in, criticizing the imbalance in how Nigeria treats athletes versus long-serving civil servants.
“Super Falcons won WAFCON, trained for one year, played for one month, and got $100,000 (₦150 million) each and houses! Police officers protected them for decades … worked for 35 years, retired with just $1,500 (₦2 million), no houses, no medical care and a small pension,” he wrote on Facebook.
Social media users echoed similar sentiments:
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“If all the military and police forces are rewarded handsomely, no one will even talk about this.”
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“Mr. President is legitimately only concerned with business wey go bring funds.”
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“The country is only sponsoring people that brought home a trophy, because Mr. President know say na money dey talk.”
A Call for Equity in National Recognition
While no one disputes the Super Falcons’ achievement, Okon Lagos and many Nigerians argue that sustainable national progress will only come when all sectors of national service are equally appreciated and rewarded — not just the ones that attract international spotlight or medals.
