Former Kaduna Central Senator Shehu Sani has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to formally recognize Japanese philanthropist and plastic surgeon, Dr. Katsuya Takasu, for his remarkable support to Nigeria during the 2016 Rio Olympic Games, according to Daily Trust.
In a recent post on X (formerly known as Twitter), Sani recalled the crisis faced by Nigeria’s U-23 football team ahead of the Olympics. The squad was stranded in Atlanta, USA, due to financial difficulties just days before the tournament.
Dr. Takasu intervened, flying from Tokyo to provide immediate help. He donated $200,000 to cover the team’s travel expenses and allowances. Following the team’s bronze medal win, he contributed an additional $190,000 as a reward for their achievement.
“Shehu Sani stated: ‘He rescued Nigeria from humiliation.’ It’s time we showed him proper gratitude.”
Sani criticized the Nigerian government’s lack of formal recognition for Dr. Takasu’s generosity. He urged President Tinubu currently visiting Japan to seize the moment and personally express the nation’s thanks.
The former senator also used the opportunity to reflect on the significance of national honors, arguing they should be awarded only to individuals of proven character and integrity.
“National honours must mean something. They should be reserved for those who truly deserve them, not for individuals who lobby for them or those who have looted our commonwealth. We should not bestow such recognition on criminals, but on those whose actions uplift the nation. Dr. Takasu is one of those rare gems,” Sani emphasized.
The call has since gained traction online, with many Nigerians backing the suggestion and praising Dr. Takasu’s selfless act as deserving of official recognition.
