Our Heroes Present
While we stood in church today and held a minute’s silence for our fallen heroes, especially in remembrance of the 80th anniversary of the First World War, a line in Nigeria’s old national anthem flashed across my mind. It’s a line that will always hit differently: “The labour of our heroes past shall never be in vain.”
Whenever we hear it, we think of the big names: the freedom fighters, the leaders, the people whose faces are in history books. However, truth be told, not all heroes wear agbada, capes or military uniforms. When you look closely at life, you realize that heroism isn’t only found in history books. It lives among us, in the quiet corners of everyday existence, in the faces of those who love us fiercely but silently. Some are right beside us, living quietly, helping us survive one day at a time. They’re the ones who keep showing up, even when the world doesn’t notice.
The friend who sends “urgent 2k” without a single question, even when they’re struggling themselves. The one who answers your call at 1:00 a.m. and listens as you pour out your frustration, not offering judgment, just peace. The colleague who drops a life-changing idea in casual conversation. The sibling who sacrifices their own comfort to make sure you’re fine. The mentor who believes in your dream long before you do.
They may never be celebrated on Independence Day, but they are the reason we make it through most days. They are the quiet pillars holding up our fragile worlds. They don’t make noise about it, don’t post it online and they don’t do it for recognition but somehow, their presence makes life easier. Their kindness keeps us grounded and their love makes this unpredictable journey called life a little softer.
Their labour is emotional, spiritual and deeply human, a constant investment of time, energy and belief. Just like the heroes of our past, their labour should never be in vain.
However, sometimes, we allow it to be. We take their love for granted, ghost people who were there for us when no one else was and receive kindness without a word of thanks. We let pride make us ungrateful and forget that even the strongest hearts get weary. The truth is that people can only pour out so much before their wells run dry.
Gratitude should never be an afterthought. It is the least we can give to those who have carried us in ways we might never repay. It’s not always about grand gestures. Sometimes it’s as simple as a heartfelt “thank you,” a message to check in, a genuine “How are you doing?” that comes from care, not habit.
Besides, when life gives us the chance, we should pay it forward. Be someone’s hero, too. Be the friend who listens without judgment, the person who helps when others turn away, the one who believes in someone’s dream before it makes sense. Love and kindness are currencies that never lose value; the more you give, the richer your soul becomes.
We live in a time where selfishness often feels like the default setting, where loyalty is rare and patience is short. Yet, it’s the people who love without condition that keep the world humane. They remind us that kindness isn’t weakness and consistency is still something worth honouring.
So, this week, before the rush of life sweeps you up again, pause and think about those people who’ve been your rock, your friend, your sibling, your partner, your go-to person. Send that message and make that call. Tell them you see their effort, that you’re grateful and tell them their labour has not been in vain.
Truth is, in the end, that’s what it means to love deeply and live fully; to never let the kindness we’ve received stop with us. 💛
