Americans and Britons are becoming familiar with a phenomenon whereby Nigerians often excel to the top of any discipline they find themselves in. Basketball is the latest arena that is showcasing the great Nigerian spirit that propels individuals of Nigeria descent into global prominence after they or their parents leave the shores of Nigeria. The roll call runs far and wide. From the Dream – Hakeem Olajuwon who is a certified NBA great to the latest great in the making – Giannis Antetokounmpo. This phenomenon goes back to the days of Wole Soyinka, Ben Enwonwu, and Fela Anikulapo Kuti. These 3 greats have the British educational system as a common denominator. This educational system horned their God-given abilities to global standards. Some would argue that they could have become exceptional if they had not left Nigeria. The evidence on the ground that is on display for all to see proves otherwise. It is virtually impossible for Wole Soyinka to achieve the feat of winning the Noble Prize in Literature without his United Kingdom experience. Likewise, the maestros Fela and Enwonwu on their achievements in music and arts respectively. The recent Coronation of Giannis Sina Ugo Antetokounmpo as the most valuable player in the NBA after winning the NBA Championship is another exhibit to support this phenomenon of Nigerians becoming global greats after they or their parents relocate from Nigeria. This list also includes the Grammy Award-winning Superstars like SEAL, Sade Adu, and most recently Burna Boy.
The most instructive display of this phenomenon happened in the last two years. Cynthia Erivo, the multiple award-winning British actress who almost became the youngest EGOT – Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Awards winner in the history of the United States is a worthy example. Cynthia Onyedinmanasu Chinasaokwu Erivo is an actress, singer, and songwriter. She is the recipient of several awards, including a Daytime Emmy Award, a Grammy Award, and a Tony Award, in addition to nominations for two Academy Awards (Oscars), two Golden Globe Awards, and a Screen Actors Guild Award. Her portrayal of Harriet Tubman in the movie Harriet is already an American classic even though it was released less than two years ago. The theme song – STAND UP, co-written and performed by Cynthia Erivo is such a powerful song, it is becoming a favorite for reality show winners having the weight and invocations of a Gospel masterpiece. The most recent confirmation of this phenomenon is Giannis Sina Ugo Antetokounmpo, the Greek professional basketball player for the Milwaukee Bucks of the US National Basketball Association. Giannis Antetokounmpo who has a Yoruba father and Igbo mother began playing basketball for the youth teams of Filathlitikos in Athens. In 2011, he began playing for the club’s senior team before entering the 2013 NBA draft, where he was selected 15th overall by the Bucks. In 2016–17 he led the Bucks in all five major statistical categories and became the first player in NBA history to finish a regular season in the top 20 in all five statistics of total points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks.
A scrutiny of the successful rise of Giannis and Cynthia will illuminate why relocating to Europe or America continues to yield positive dividends for Nigerians. Giannis and Cynthia were both mentored by mentors who saw attributes that were hidden from others. In both cases, their mentors had to compellingly persuade them to follow a path that eventually led them to global prominence. Cynthia was made to apply for the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art – a drama school in London, England, that provides vocational conservatoire training for theatre, television, film, and radio. The training she received here transformed her raw talent into the polished diamond that is now shining in the United States. This same narrative holds for Giannis whose journey started in 2008 when Spiros Velliniatis first spotted a scrawny 13-year-old child living in poverty in the Sepolia neighborhood of Athens. This was the mentor who Giannis credit for 50% of his success as a basketballer. Velliniatis had been scouting immigrant communities in the Greek capital to find potential players for club side Filathlitikos when, by “pure chance”, he discovered Antetokounmpo playing a game of tag with some friends. Nigeria has the highest youth population in the world by percentage. Can we find mentors and training institutions in Nigeria that can transform the upcoming Cynthias and Giannis to global stardom? Individuals and institutions must take up this challenge that will help maximize the assets of our youthful and talented population.
Ata Ukuta, Editor – www.towncryyers.com