The Roman statesman and philosopher Cicero wisely said, “The life of the dead is placed in the memory of the living.” As our nation approaches the thirty-sixth anniversary of the day we lost Samuel Sochukwuma Okwaraji this August, Cicero’s words compel us to look inward. They demand we ask a profound question that speaks to the heart of our national character: Have we, the living, been worthy custodians of the life and sacrifice of a man who gave everything for his country?
On August 12, 1989, Samuel Okwaraji’s heart stopped on the field of football, but his spirit—a spirit of pure, unblemished patriotism—was meant to live on as an example for all time. He was not just a gifted footballer but a brilliant lawyer with a master’s degree. In a world where material gain was already a powerful lure, he stood apart. He never demanded a salary, often paid his own way to defend our national colors, and saw service to Nigeria not as a job, but as the highest possible honor. He gave his talent, his passion, and ultimately, his life.
His sacrifice represents the very soul of what we wish our nation to be. Yet, the relative silence surrounding his legacy is a heavy one. This failure to bestow upon him a truly enduring national honor is more than an oversight; it is a matter that should weigh on our collective conscience. It allows his memory to linger in the quiet shadows, rather than stand in the full light as a beacon for all to see.
The immortalization of our heroes is the sacred duty of a grateful nation. It is how we define our values and provide a moral compass for the generations that follow. By fully embracing the legacy of Samuel Okwaraji, we have the power to address this matter of conscience. We can teach our children that integrity and selfless love for our country are virtues we cherish above all else. His story is alesson in civic duty, waiting to be fully utilized.
Therefore, this is not merely a reflection; it is a direct, earnest,and passionate appeal to the authorities of our great nation. The time has come to answer the quiet question his legacy poses with decisive action.
I call upon the Federal Government of Nigeria, led by His Excellency, President Ahmed Bola Tinubu and the Federal Executive Council, to formally champion the cause of immortalizing Samuel Okwaraji. Let us move to name a significant national institution—be it a federal university, a public monument, or a center for leadership—in his honor.
I urge our distinguished National Assembly to enact the necessary legislation to secure a permanent place for him in our national life.
Furthermore, I appeal to the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development to cement his legacy within the arena he so loved. Let a premier national football tournament or the National Institute for Sports proudly bear his name, forever linking his sacrifice to the aspirations of every Nigerian athlete.
Let us not allow another year to pass. Let us choose to transform a lingering memory into a living legacy. By doing so, we will not only honor a great man, but we will also reaffirm our nation’s soul. Let us finally give this patriot the place of honored rest he deserves, not in the shadows, but in the heart of our nation’s future.
In doing so, we would prove the wisdom of the great Athenian leader Pericles, who reminded us that the truest memorials are not made of stone, but of character. In his words: “For the whole earth is the tomb of famous men; not only are they commemorated by columns and inscriptions in their own country, but in foreign lands there dwells also an unwritten memorial of them, graven not on stone, but in the hearts of men.”
Udo diiri Unu
