26yrs after: Immortalise Okwaraji now, Reps tell FG

Members of the House of Representatives yesterday urged the Federal Government to immortalise late Sam Okwaraji who died  on the pitch while playing for the country at the National Stadium,  Surulere, 26years ago.
This was based on a motion under matters of national importance brought to the floor of the house by Rep Tajudeen Yusuf, PDP, Kogi who noted  that , Wednesday, 12th August was exactly 26 years that an exemplary and patriotic Nigerian top footballer; Samuel Sochukwuma Okwaraji, slumped and died at the mainbowl of the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, while playing for his fatherland in a World Cup qualification match against Angola.
He said  Late Samuel Okwaraji was an embodiment of humility, commitment and patriotism, who unlike his colleagues, often paid his way to Nigeria and back to his base after honouring any National assignment without asking for refund. “
“26 years after the unfortunate death of Samuel Okwaraji, nothing concrete and enduring has been done by the Federal Government, Nigerian football authorities and Imo State Government to immortalize the name of a great hero who in his lifetime assisted younger Nigerians in their respective footballing and other careers”
“A  player who displayed uncommon passion and unequaled patriotism playing for Nigeria, the only visible attempt to immortalize him, after sacrificing his life for Nigeria on August 12, 1989, at the age of 24, is a bust erected at the entrance of the National Stadium, Lagos, which is utterly derelict, completely weather-beaten and painfully not befitting of the status of Samuel Okwaraji”
“His only likely legacy a mini stadium purportedly named after him in his home town – Umudioka, Orlu in Imo State, whose construction was abandoned by successive administrations in Imo State for over 20 years, has now been displaced by an on-going road construction project, without any hope of possible relocation”.
He expressed worry that Nigerian football authorities that should be more sensitive and committed to the immortalisation of Samuel Okwaraji, reneged on its promise to retire the Number 6 jersey he wore on that day.
The lawmaker further stressed that “apart from failing to immortalise Late Samuel Okwaraji, his aged Mother – Mrs. Janet Okwaraji and other family members are in deep economic situation, requiring rehabilitation”.
Deputy Chief  Whip of the House, Rep Pally Iriase, PDP, Edo had  argued that Nigeria needs people like the Late Okwaraji and constituting an adhoc committee may not generate positive feeling as it could discourage other patriotic Nigerians.
“I therefore urge that the House constitute a Committee to the family. I think it is not time for us to open an old wound without taking steps to heal it”, Iriase said.
On the strength of this argument, the green chamber further resolved to send a high level delegation of lawmakers to visit, identify and show solidarity with members of Okwaraji’s family.
When it was put to voice vote by the speaker, Yakubu Dogara the aye carried the day.