IN reaction to the 2023 Christmas Eve massacre in Plateau State, the captain of Nigeria’s Super Eagles, Ahmed Musa, wrote: “I am standing against the violence in Plateau State. It’s heartbreaking to witness the recent violence in Plateau State. My thoughts are with those affected. We need to stand together against hate and violence. Let love and understanding prevail. Together, we can make a difference. Let us show love to one another.”

Finally, last Saturday, January 27, 2024, after the Super Eagles defeated the Lions of Cameroon in yet another AFCON tournament, Musa used the opportunity to call attention to the endless killings of innocent people across Nigeria, especially in Plateau State.

“In the beautiful game, we stand united, transcending tribe and religion. Let this victory be a reminder that our strength lies in coming together. Amidst the challenges our nation faces, let’s use the spirit of football to bridge divides and foster harmony.

“It’s time to kick out the negativity, end the unnecessary killings, rivalry, and embrace the love that sports bring. Join hands for peace, goals, and a brighter future,” Musa wrote on his X, formerly Twitter, page. 

In a country like Nigeria where the elites’ conspiracy of silence in the face of evils is largely responsible for the country’s intractable problems, Ahmed Musa’s interventions are shiny beacons of light worthy of celebration. 

Nigeria is a country richly populated with celebrities in almost all areas of human endeavours: the academics, the arts, business, sports, entertainment, etc. But ever since the country has been in the grip of diverse evils orchestrated by bad leadership, how many of our celebrities have lifted a finger, not to speak of lifting a voice to condemn, or at least call attention, to the dangers of such evils?

Instead, what we see in Nigeria are our celebrities lending their support to corrupt politicians and being in bed with them for one pecuniary reason or the other.

But to be a celebrity or an influential figure in the society, and then choose to be indifferent, or acquiesce to the evils going on in that society, is to grossly misuse the vantage position where Providence has placed that celebrity.

The main reason God makes some people to be outstanding is for them to use their positions to help humanity and champion the cause of a better society. When celebrities fail in fulfilling that altruistic duty for which they were set apart, society suffers a huge loss.

Using Ahmed Musa’s exemplary and persistent interventions in the ongoing massacres across Nigeria, especially in Plateau State, as a standard, we call on our Nigerian celebrities, elites, statesmen, and other very important persons to wake up to their God-given responsibilities. They should cease from being elders who stay at home watching the goats give birth while being tethered.