A prominent political figure and convener of the United Premier Movement, Hon. (Chief) Olalekan A. Shoyinka (popularly known as Ayinla Egba), has lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to rewarding Nigeria’s sports champions, urging the administration to sustain and expand the “Renewed Hope” reward policy across all sectors.
Reacting to the recent victory of Nigeria’s female basketball team, D’Tigress, who clinched their fifth consecutive FIBA Women’s AfroBasket title, Shoyinka said the President’s swift congratulatory message and pledge to host the team signals a new era of national pride and purposeful leadership.
Shoyinka drew parallels between the Super Falcons’ 10th WAFCON title celebration — which attracted $100,000 cash rewards, national honours, and property gifts — and the current public anticipation surrounding what D’Tigress will receive.
“Nothing is too much to reward excellence,” he said. “Rewarding champions isn’t wasteful—it’s an investment in a nation’s values and future.”
Shoyinka emphasized that President Tinubu’s gestures should not be perceived as mere political optics, but as a conscious moral directive to inspire a generation that is increasingly being lured by the glitz of social media and quick money schemes.
“Nigeria is desperately in need of role models. By celebrating excellence in sports, we tell our youth that talent, hard work, and discipline still pay in this country,” he stated.
He argued that sports offer a rare moment of unity and healing in a deeply polarized and economically strained society. “For a few moments, sports victories allow Nigerians to forget their pains and rejoice together. That joy is priceless.”
Citing the neglect of legendary athletes from the 1990s who brought international glory but were abandoned afterwards, Shoyinka said Tinubu’s administration now has a chance to correct historic injustices.
“The cost of neglecting excellence is far greater than any reward we give today,” he warned.
Shoyinka further urged state governors and local government authorities not to leave the burden of talent recognition to the federal government alone. He called for grassroots investment in sports through school athletics programs and community-based competitions.
“One successful athlete can lift an entire family out of poverty. Imagine what hundreds could do for our communities,” he added.
While praising the focus on sports, Shoyinka also advocated extending the reward framework to sectors like education, technology, and creative industries, noting that national greatness lies in identifying and promoting excellence across disciplines.
“Let every young Nigerian know that whether you build a robot, write a breakthrough thesis, or win a science fair—you too will be honoured by your country,” he urged.
He concluded by calling on President Tinubu to enshrine the “Renewed Hope” initiative as a lasting legacy that defines his administration.
“John F. Kennedy once said, ‘A nation reveals itself not only by the men it produces but also by the men it honours.’ This policy reveals a President who wants Nigeria to reward merit—not mediocrity,” he said.
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