x

Late Okwaraji remains symbol of patriotism, hard work – POCACOV

 The Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV),  says  late Nigerian international, Mr Samuel Okwaraji, remains a symbol of patriotism and hard work to be emulated by  youths.

The National Coordinator of POCACOV, Mr Ebere Amaraizu, said this while speaking with our correspondent in Enugu on Friday,  on why the sacrifices and legacies of Okwaraji still  lived  in the national team.

Our correspondent recalls that Okwaraji,  died on Saturday, Aug. 12, 1989.

He died at the main bowl of National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos during a make or mar Italia 1990 World Cup qualifier and tension soaked match between the Green Eagles and Angolan national team.

Okwaraji collapsed in the 77th minute of the encounter and was later confirmed dead by a doctor.

According to Amaraizu, Okwaraji upheld his integrity and never compromised in putting up the national interest first,  above his personal interest.

“Indeed, he may have gone,  but his history revolves around patriotism, love, integrity, hard work, team player and humility.

“Okwaraji never allowed his qualification as a lawyer to decide the pace of his relationship with others, he was always willing to make sacrifices for others to grow.

“We have to reciprocate the gesture by ensuring that  as young minds, we should reflect on those Okwaraji’s attributes and emulate them.

“As youths, we must discover ourselves for greater societal good,  by shunning those negative tendencies that will promote rancour, bitterness, crime and criminality,” he said.

Amaraizu, who is also Director of Nationwide National League One (NLO), said that his death, however,  had designated him as Nigeria’s first football martyr.

He noted that Okwaraji combined football with academics and as a result, became  a lawyer and before his death,  had a  Masters degree  in international law,  from the  University of Rome,  with a view to impacting positively on society.

“He was a committed footballer at both his various club-sides and national assignments each time duty calls.

“Okwaraji remains one of those that hold sway to the notion of thinking of what you can do for your country and not what your country can do for you,” he added. 

Hot this week

Victor Osimhen Sets New Galatasaray Record With Brilliant Brace Against Bodø/Glimt

 Victor Osimhen continued his sensational European form on Wednesday...

Awful and Outplayed – Why Arne Slot Must Look Inward to End Liverpool’s Slump

Liverpool manager Arne Slot blamed tactical adjustments from opponents...

Kaduna Women Journalists Urge Government Action on Poor Power Supply, Commend State’s Climate Efforts

By Achadu Gabriel, KadunaThe Nigeria Association of Women Journalists...

North-Central APC Forum Backs Mutfwang, Rejects Plateau APC Leaders’ Move to Block Defection

By Israel Adamu, JosThe North-Central All Progressives Congress (APC)...

Nasarawa Farmers Triple Rice Yields with Climate-Smart Farming Innovations

By Abel Zwanke, LafiaFarmers in Nasarawa State have recorded...

Ex-Liverpool Star Explains Why Arsenal Won’t Win the Premier League This Season

Arsenal’s blistering start to the season has reignited hopes...

Ruben Amorim’s Tactical Shift Could Earn Manchester United £24 Million

Ruben Amorim’s bold decision to deploy a striker-less formation...

NGO Trains Plateau Judges, Security Operatives on Enforcement of Child Rights Law 2005

By Israel Adamu, JosThe Child Protection Network (CPN), Plateau...

CACOL Commends Federal Government for Removing Nigeria from FATF Grey List

By Jabiru HassanThe Centre for Anti-Corruption and Open Leadership...

North-Central APC Forum Backs Mutfwang, Rejects Plateau APC Leaders’ Resolution

By Israel Adamu, JosThe North-Central All Progressives Congress (APC)...

Related Articles

Popular Categories

spot_imgspot_img