The act of Victor Osimhen, a Nigerian professional footballer, distributing foodstuffs and keke to his community is commendable. It reflects not only his gratitude for the support he has received but also his understanding of the importance of giving back to the people who contributed to his journey. Such acts of philanthropy naturally draw admiration and inspire others, as they symbolize a cycle of kindness and communal upliftment.
However, the reaction of some Ghanaians to Osimhen’s gesture, particularly those casting aspersions on Ghanaian professionals, exposes a deeper cultural issue. The reality is that the relationship between public figures and their communities is a two-way street. For professionals to give back wholeheartedly, they often need to feel a sense of love, respect, and genuine support from their people. Unfortunately, this dynamic is frequently absent in Ghana.
Many Ghanaian professionals, especially athletes, often face undue criticism, mockery, and lack of encouragement from their fellow citizens. This issue is particularly evident in football, where local players are often berated for their performances, even on home soil. Instead of rallying behind these individuals and pushing them to excel, some sections of the public resort to negativity and ridicule, damaging the morale of those representing the nation. Such attitudes breed resentment and alienation, making it less likely for these professionals to feel compelled to contribute to their communities when they succeed.
This negativity is one of the factors that stifles progress in Ghana as a nation. Constructive criticism is necessary for growth, but it must be balanced with encouragement and appreciation for efforts made. When we habitually tear down our own people, we inadvertently discourage excellence and diminish the potential for positive change. Many professionals, after achieving success, opt to invest their time and resources elsewhere because they feel unappreciated at home. This is a sad reality that Ghana must confront if it hopes to see more of its professionals emulate acts like Osimhen’s.
The solution begins with a shift in mindset. Ghanaians must learn to celebrate their own, support their endeavors, and create an environment that fosters mutual respect and appreciation. Imagine the impact if Ghanaian footballers, artists, and other professionals felt the same love and encouragement from their communities as Osimhen feels from his. They would be more inclined to return home and invest in their people, sparking a ripple effect of development and progress.
This change, however, requires deliberate effort. It means attending local games, cheering on our players instead of mocking them, and recognizing their contributions, no matter how small. It means choosing to uplift rather than tear down and understanding that every success story is an opportunity for the entire community to thrive.
Osimhen’s actions should serve as inspiration—not just to Ghanaian professionals but to the public as well. They remind us of the power of gratitude and the importance of building strong, supportive communities. If Ghanaians can shift from negativity to positive reinforcement, there’s no doubt that the nation’s professionals will reciprocate the support with acts of kindness and development that will benefit everyone. The onus is on us as a people to cultivate this culture of mutual respect and support.
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