I want us to stop and think about this seriously today. Right now, somewhere deep in a forest in Nigeria, a young soldier is lying on the ground fighting for his life. He left his mother, his wife, his children, his dreams, to go and defend a country that is run by people who will never step foot near that forest. He earns a salary that cannot even cover his family's rent. He sleeps in difficult conditions, eats poorly, and faces enemies with weapons that sometimes rival or outmatch what the government provides him. And if he dies, his family will struggle to receive even the basic benefits owed to them. Now contrast that with the life of the politician who sent him there. The same politician is at home right now. Eating well. Surrounded by private security. Flying in private jets. Attending owambe parties. Collecting security votes that were meant to fight the same bandits this soldier is dying to defeat. This is the reality of Nigeria's military sacrifice. Unequal. Unfair. And deeply painful. The most heartbreaking part is what this does to recruitment. Young Nigerians are watching. They see how soldiers are treated in life and in death. They are asking themselves if it is worth it. And more of them every year are saying no. If we continue this way, we will wake up one day to discover that nobody wants to serve anymore. And that day will be a very dark day for this country. Our soldiers deserve better pay, better equipment, better support, and most importantly better leadership from the top. Rest in peace to every soldier Nigeria has lost. You were braver than the men who sent you. 🕊️
