The Senate of the United States of America has honoured an 18-year-old Nigerian, Prince Raphael Akinyemi, for winning a basketball championship for the State of Maryland.
Raphael is the son of a first class traditional ruler in Ogun State, the Eselu of Iseluland in Yewa-North Local Government Area of the state, Oba Akintunde Akinyemi.
The feat by the young Nigerian was ignored by Nigerian diplomats in Washington DC and even the Foreign Affairs Ministry in Abuja.
Akinyemi alongside his colleagues was celebrated during an ovation held on Saturday when the Senators gave them accolades.
It was further gathered that the feat prompted the invitation of Raphael and his colleagues by the US Senate.
Reacting to the development, the father of the teenager described the development as a thing of pride for Iselu, Yewa, Ogun State, Nigeria and the black race in general.
Oba Akinyemi said nobody could have believed that an indigene of Iselu would be standing for an honour at the US Senate.
He said, “This is a testimony that the nation has many talents and potentials lurked in the rural areas.”
He however charged the government to create an enabling environment for the younger generation to thrive.
Eselu added, “I feel great and fulfilled that good things can come out from my community. Most especially, for my son to be honoured in the US Parliament with all senators seated.
“Even, the US President clapped for them all for winning the basketball championship.”
Asked if he would allow his son to play for Nigeria, Eselu said, ” I would not object to my son playing for Nigeria’s basketball team if the need arises.”
