Nollywood actor Ime Bishop Umoh, popularly known as Okon Lagos, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to extend the same level of recognition and reward given to the Super Falcons to other key public service groups, including members of the Nigerian Police, the military, and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
The actor made the appeal in a heartfelt social media post on Monday, following the President’s reception of the Super Falcons at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on July 28. The national women’s football team was honoured for their victory at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco, with each player and coach receiving $100,000, a three-bedroom house, and national honours.
Commending the gesture, Bishop Umoh described it as a positive move, especially since the honourees were not part of the political class. However, he stressed the need to also reward those who serve the country in high-risk roles.
“It’s commendable how Mr President is splashing out handsome rewards and incentives for excellent service to our country,” he wrote. “I humbly wish to add this as an earnest plea, Mr President sir, please extend this largesse to the Nigerian Police, the military—especially those who put their lives on the line at the frontline of war against violence, crimes, terror, and insurgency.”
He also highlighted the sacrifices of NYSC members posted to remote or unsafe areas, urging the government to consider their service as equally deserving of national appreciation.
“There has to be a Nigerian first for all to be Nigerian,” he concluded.
Bishop Umoh’s statement has since sparked conversations online, with many Nigerians supporting his call for broader recognition of service beyond the sports arena.
