Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has sharply criticized the Nigerian government’s reward structure, labeling it “brutally unfair” to officers of the Nigeria Police Force.
Sowore, who ran for president in 2023 under the African Action Congress (AAC), made his comments in response to President Bola Tinubu’s announcement of national honors and significant financial rewards for the Super Falcons.
This came after their victory at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco, where they clinched their 10th title with a 3-2 comeback win against the hosts.
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President Tinubu hosted the Super Falcons at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Monday, conferring the national honor of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) on all 24 players and 11 members of the coaching crew.
Additionally, Tinubu announced a reward of $100,000 (₦150 million) for each player and $50,000 (₦75 million) for each member of the coaching staff.
Each team member is also set to receive a three-bedroom apartment under the federal government’s Renewed Hope Housing Scheme.
“You have inspired millions, especially young girls, who now see proof that their dreams are valid and achievable,” Tinubu told the players during the reception.
“You have inspired me, too. And it’s great for a nation to have assets that are the hope of today, tomorrow, and the day after. You represent that hope. You ignited that hope. And we will continue to encourage you, the next generation, and other generations after you.”
Responding to this gesture, Sowore, in a concise tweet on Tuesday, commented that “life is brutally unfair to police officers” who dedicate decades of service to the country with minimal reward.
“Life is brutally unfair to Nigeria Police Force officers! Super Falcons won WAFCON, trained for 1 year, played for 1 month, were rewarded with $100,000 (N150 million) each and houses!” Sowore wrote. “Police officers protected them for decades, worked 35 years, retired with $1,500 (₦2 million as gratuity), no houses, no medicals, and a little pension!
“The President or the Governor who handed the awards? $1 BILLION in gratuity, a lifetime pension, homes everywhere, full medicals!”
