How the thug business destroyed the world's most beautiful game in Nigeria.
We set out to help ordinary people understand how and why democracy has failed in Nigeria, and what can be done to put it right. I'm sure people are now convinced that what is happening there mocks democracy, so i created this social fiction using the beautiful game of football.
We have argued that for the world's most beautiful game to be enjoyed by everybody in Nigeria it must be 'properly and transparently' be played. The rules and functions of the game have not changed. Dangerous striker or defender-(Red Card), Bad Coach or Manager or Referee-(sack).
It's the duty of the fans, players, clubs,etc, to demand sack. Every player and club wants to play top games, not to be purnished by the football authorities. The duty of the football authorities is to make sure , there is fair play, and infrastructures, ok. But when the thugs hijacked the football institution with the gun and bribe, things fall apart, it's now a dilemma.
The media is influenced to report only what the thugs want the people to hear and see, and opinion/community leaders are bribed to join the thug business so as not to demand accountability. Anyone that disagrees is an enemy of the state.
Football is still the world's most beautiful game, but if the game is to flourish and develop in the future, in Nigeria, it needs informed citizenry, i.e. education, which requires substantial funding and partnerships. According to the World Economic Forum: "We cannot fix the fractures of our world without multi-stakeholder collaboration".
Participatory obedience or what Jimmy calls 'blind acceptance' has no role to play in football. In his words, : "It is a sport that compels examination without which there would be no progress, no development, colour or drama- the very essence of the game".
To bring back the 'excitement' that goes with this game in Nigeria needs the restructuring of the current political structure(football authorities) and rejection of autocrats as managers, otherwise this beautiful game will continue to be 'irritation' in Nigeria. I wonder if there is any excitement in a football match where Enyimba Forest United scores 100 and Sharks of Porthacourt -0.
As long as the status-quo remains in place the game will not serve its functions and purpose. It's our desire to put these story in a book form to help educate ordinary people who are deprived of 'the sense of well-being' that comes from the world's most beautiful game. Make sure you get a copy.
Read More: http://www.theleadprojectfoundation.com/2018/02/nigeria-democracy-and-its-crisis.html
I enjoy reading Matthew d'Ancona; "People who like authoritarianism always picture themselves running the show. But no one stays on top for long".
Uche Okeke is a Social Entrepreneur. He is the Founder of The LEAD Project Foundation, Independent Non-Political, Non-Profit Organisation.
We recognised that democratic education is the key for a vibrant democracy, but it needs funding and collaboration which is currently lacking in Nigeria. The power holders want to bribe people to keep them in the dark. Read through our blog to see how we can partner to reach a wider audience.
Together we can change the way things are: 'Reject Authoritarian Rule, Stop Political Bribery and Give Voter A Choice'. This is our message; our mission.-Uche Okeke.
Read More: http://www.theleadprojectfoundation.com/2018/02/the-brown-envelope-and-bullet-political.html
"What would you say to a cold beer?- Don't get comfortable in that glass"- Jimmy Greeves,London.
ReplyDeletewe recognised that democratic education is the key for a vibrant democracy, but it needs funding and collaboration which is
ReplyDeletecurrently lacking in Nigeria. The power holders want to bribe people to keep them in the dark. Read through our blog to see how we can partner to reach a wider audience. Together we can change the way things are: 'Stop political bribery and give voter a choice'.-Uche Okeke