As the World Cup Begins Without Nigeria As the World Cup begins today across three nations, I identify with our teeming football followers and urge them not to be despondent that Nigeria is not participating, despite the abundant talent in our land. Our failure to participate on the global stage is not due to a deficit of talent; it is a direct consequence of a deficit in leadership, planning, and institutional support. The task of building a better Nigeria rests primarily on the shoulders of the younger generation. Do not watch the World Cup with despair; rather, see it as a reminder of where Nigeria ought to be. We must move our country from being a nation of mere consumers of global entertainment to a nation of proud producers and competitors. A new Nigeria is POssible. -PO

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oseni rufai

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oseni rufai

@ruffydfire

Jun 11

Dear South Africans, Remember we did this for you and today you hurt Nigerians Is this how to appreciate those that suffered for your freedom In 1976, Nigeria established the Southern Africa Relief Fund (SARF) to support anti-apartheid liberation struggles. Under the military administration of General Olusegun Obasanjo, all Nigerian civil servants and public officers were mandated to contribute 2% of their monthly salaries to the fund, which became popularly known as the "Mandela Tax". [1, 2] The grassroots and public initiative was highly successful: [1, 2] •Initial Government Support: General Obasanjo's administration contributed $3.7 million to SARF, alongside personal donations of $3,000 from the General himself and $1,500 from each cabinet member. [1] •Public Participation: Civil servants forfeited 2% of their salaries, and students actively skipped lunches to donate their allowances. [1] •Fundraising Milestone: In just six months, popular contributions reached $10.5 million by June 1977.[1] •Broader Aid: These funds were utilized to bring relief to victims of the apartheid regime, finance educational opportunities, and support the general welfare of liberation movements. This contribution was part of an estimated $61 billion that Nigeria spent between 1960 and 1995 toward the anti-apartheid struggle. [1, 2, 3]

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