Former chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega and minister of information and national orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, have urged Nigerians to embrace a renewed sense of patriotism and national responsibility.
Both leaders spoke at the launch of the "Rise Up Patriots" event themed; "Take Pride in Our Nation," organised by the Unveiling and Rebranding Nigeria Initiative in Abuja yesterday.
In his keynote address, Prof Jega emphasised that true patriots were most needed in times of challenge, where unity, resilience and active civic engagement could help lift the nation.
Reflecting on Nigeria's post-independence era, Jega recalled when the country served as a beacon of hope across Africa, inspiring black communities around the world.
He praised the selfless leadership of the first republic, which he said laid a solid foundation for nation-building, but raised concern over Nigeria's current struggles, including the nation's global label as the "poverty capital of the world" and the increasing exodus of young talents known as the "japa" syndrome.
In a goodwill message, Idris, represented by the director-general of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Mallam Lanre Isa Onilu, introduced the National Identity Project--a new government initiative aimed at fostering a shared sense of purpose and unity among Nigerians.
The minister noted that patriotism must come from the heart and cannot be enforced.
URNI Patron, Amb Hassan Tukur, another prominent speaker at the event, stressed that leadership grounded in character and competence was essential for Nigeria's progress.
He fondly recalled an era when Nigerians built strong bonds across ethnic and religious divides, calling for a return to these values.
Tukur linked the nation's socioeconomic challenges to a lack of strong leadership and urged those in power to prioritise job creation, resource mobilisation and unity.
The National Identity Project comprises the "Seven Pillars of the Nigerian Promise" and "Citizen Codes" to outline mutual commitments between the government and citizens. With initiatives such as compulsory civic education, an increase in Nigerian-based media content and the formation of Citizen Brigades to foster leadership among the youth, the project seeks to instil pride and commitment in the next generation.
