Uzodimma: Super Falcons And Hypocrisy Of Social Media Vigilantes 

COLLINS OPUROZOR

In the ever-noisy theatre of social media activism, facts are often drowned in the hysteria of clout-chasing narratives. Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, a man whose commitment to youth empowerment and human capital development is well-documented, recently came under fire for an act that should earn praise. His decision to host seven Imo-born players of the victorious Super Falcons team has been misconstrued by Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), as tribalism. This accusation is not only unfortunate but completely off the mark.

The Super Falcons’ recent triumph at the pan-African level brought joy to millions of Nigerians. That seven of the players hail from Imo State is a testament to the state’s sporting heritage and Governor Uzodimma’s investment in youth development. Under his leadership, Heartland FC welcomed the legendary Emmanuel Amuneke as coach, and sports infrastructure has seen significant upgrades. Uzodimma is not merely celebrating victory. He is nurturing a pipeline of global talents from Imo.

VDM, known for his abrasive tone and performative outrage, chose to vilify Uzodimma for acknowledging the girls from his state. Yet the same VDM remained curiously silent in August 2023 when Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State hosted Super Falcons Stars from Lagos, namely Asisat Oshoala, Rasheedat Ajibade and Monday Gift. Governor of Kwara State did the exact same thing, honouring a player from his own state. Is it wrong for a Governor to celebrate his people? If Uzodimma is a tribalist, then what would you call Sanwo-Olu or AbdulRazaq?

The hypocrisy becomes glaring when one considers VDM’s own background. He hails from Agenebode in Edo State. When former Governor Godwin Obaseki hosted Rema and Shallipopi, two musicians from the same Edo, VDM saw nothing wrong. He didn’t accuse Obaseki of tribalism. He didn’t ask why all Nigerian musicians weren’t invited. So why the double standard? Why attack Uzodimma for doing exactly what his own former Governor once did?

Even more telling is VDM’s silence on real issues in his backyard. The massively fraudulent Agenebode rice project, right in his own community, allegedly gulped billions of Naira under the Obaseki administration, with totally no visible result. Yet, not a single video from VDM on that. No investigations. No questions. Instead, he fixates on a Governor who is doing what leaders ought to do: encourage excellence and foster pride in homegrown achievements.

Just months ago, Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu hosted Nedu Wazobia and Husband Material, two individuals from Enugu State who run (or, in Nedu’s case now, who ran) a successful podcast. VDM never asked why the entire Honest Bunch Podcast crew wasn’t invited. He didn’t call it nepotism. Why then is Uzodimma’s action different? Clearly, there is more at play here than genuine concern.

What Governor Uzodimma has done is noble. He recognized talent. He gave honour to whom it is due. That is not tribalism. It is leadership. It is what any responsible Governor should do. Imo State has, under him, become a model of cultural inclusion and youthful excellence. No fair observer can deny the evidence of his consistent support for all groups, not just in sports, but also in education, ICT, entertainment, and innovation.

VDM’s rants, though loud, cannot rewrite the facts. Governor Uzodimma’s gesture is not only legitimate but inspiring. It reflects the heart of a man who believes in Nigeria, who believes in the youth, and who believes in building a state where excellence is rewarded, not vilified. The earlier we learn to separate genuine activism from self-serving theatrics, the better for the moral health of our nation.