The Killer of Dreams.

They like to say that Nigeria kills dreams.

They used this line a lot during and after the recently concluded Olympic games. What happened to Favour and Ese were considered manifestations of murd3red dreams.

I read a post by someone on Facebook that stated that Nigeria wanted to kill Ese's dream at the Olympics because of what happened before her track cycling event and I wondered to myself how that was so. Was the fellow aware of what Ese's dream was?

Ese became the first Nigerian to represent Nigeria in any cycling event at the Summer Olympic games, considering that cycling has been a constant at every games. She had the privilege and pleasure of wearing the green-white-green in both the road and track events at an Olympic games many did not get to qualify for or participate in for various reasons. A young lady who emerged from obscurity in rural Nigeria got to make history on a global stage and people insist that Nigeria k1lled or is killing her dream?

Ese signed for a cycling team in December 2023. Mathew Mitchell with ProCycling UK reported the story and wrote that "The team, which started in 2022 as part of CANYON//SRAM Racing’s diversity and inclusion initiative, aims to provide a fresh pathway to the top level of the sport. Recruitment has focused on but not limited to, riders from countries underrepresented in the women’s peloton. These riders are given resources and opportunities to live, train, and race in Europe, with full support for a successful professional cycling career."

The CANYON//SRAM team has 9 riders, and Ese is one of 5 Africans. The South African on the team had to win a contest of over 100,000 participants to get this opportunity; Ese did not have to go through that route. Would she have gotten this opportunity if she simply dumped Nigeria and moved elsewhere? Perhaps. What is important is that she has the chance to work hard and live out all her dreams. It will be her business if she does really well tomorrow and turn around to say that Nigeria played no part in her success.

Before the usual suspects appear in the comment section to sermonize about how I'm supporting government and talking nonsense; let me state here that this is just a post to make you think about your mindset and to consider liberating it from the toxic quagmire you may have found yourself in.

I agree that life has not been fair to the majority of Nigerians but the truth is that it is human beings who have made things difficult for others and who continue to do so. Is it not better to address and confront the individuals concerned instead of simply throwing around and trampling on the name Nigeria?

Many of us despise the education we got. Many despise their families, their roots and history. It's been 7 years since the last time I was in direct service to the motherland as a resident doctor but every opportunity I have gotten afterwards have been because of Nigeria. The ability to go through life alone is made possible because of my experiences.

The opportunities were not stellar but I will never use the terrible ones to ridicule my nation. Many others begged for such opportunities but did not get them, yet we find those who got same on a platter treat Nigeria with scorn. I cannot forget sleeping on the corridor outside room 4 in JSS2 boys hostel with my friends Niyi and Gbenga. We had all just transferred to the school and the lads in room 4 were hostile enough to push us out because the room was crowded and could not take additional bunks. On Saturday inspections, the prefect in charge of our dormitory would ensure our bunks fitted into the room so that the teachers who attended the inspection would not know that some boys slept on the corridor, exposed to the elements and whatever lurked around.

We survived that and plenty other things. I still paid 90 naira for accommodation in my first year in the University. I had the privilege of attending the University of Ibadan and will always be grateful despite the wasted year before the first year started and another cumulative year due to ASUU strike during my six sessions. There were times we looked at ourselves and wondered why we stayed on for 8 years to do a 6 years course. I remember my Chemistry 157 practical group in my freshman year and how we could never agree on a way forward during practical sessions. Demola was always the peace maker, now the good doctor is using robots to carry out carry out cardiothoracic surgeries in the US. There are many stories like this of people given launch pads by Nigeria but some people opt to use every moment to focus on the empty glasses instead of celebrating the wins.

Perhaps I need to share these stories of those Nigeria happened to instead of those who managed to leave the shores of Nigeria and spend time online attending virtual spaces to ridicule the country and other Nigerians. Stories of those at home and abroad doing great things; even stories of those who do 'normal' acts of good that is now alien to many.

My experiences taught me to always fight for justice and fairness. I have learned to always focus on the way forward instead of dwelling on the negatives, that is why I know that the way out for sports in Nigeria is liberation from government bureaucracy. Yes, those who are responsible for Favour's name getting omitted should give account but are we calling out the right person(s).

Don't kill your own dreams by dwelling on negativity.

B Block, Independence Hall, UI. 2003

August 15, 2024