National Anthem: Cultivating a Sense of Patriotism
By Jumai Ahmadu
The present administration of President Bola Tinubu has made bold, albeit controversial, choices geared toward securing Nigeria’s economic future.
Nigerians are still reeling from the impact of some of the policies announced by President Bola Tinubu in 2023 and are thus eager to see tangible improvements in their daily lives, hoping that the long-term benefits promised will soon outweigh the short-term difficulties.
As we make progress, striking a balance between providing immediate relief and implementing sustainable economic reforms will be crucial.
The term citizen implies a certain type of relationship between the people and government.
Therefore, it is imperative that those in positions of authority to prioritize the needs of the people, create an inclusive society, and work towards policies that promote justice, equality, and the common good.
By aligning their actions with the aspirations of the Nigerians, our leaders can steer our nation towards a brighter future where every citizen can thrive and contribute meaningfully to national development.
No doubt some have pleaded that the administration met an unwholesome economy from previous administrations which preceded it such that there was need to allow the measures introduced more time to begin to yield desirable results.
But the administration has embarked on a broad scope of economic intervention to alleviate the plight of the citizens, one of such measures is the Medium, Small, and Micro Enterprises (MSME) interventions and capitalisation including the N200 billion for all segments of the business population operating in the country.
President Tinubu’s focus on ‘stomach infrastructure’ through initiatives targeting food security and robust social welfare schemes also underscores his profound commitment to uplifting the lives of all Nigerians.
One such way is the recent signing of the N70,000 minimum wage Act into law, ending months of deliberations between government authorities, labour unions, and the private sector.
But ensuring that government actually works for the public good requires informed, organized, active and peaceful citizen participation.
It is in this light that the recent Supreme Court ruling on local government autonomy, has given Nigerians, especially the poor, the ability to hold their local leaders to account for their actions and inactions.
Also, the Access to Higher Education Act, was signed into law, to enable indigent students to access interest-free loans for their educational pursuits in any Nigerian tertiary institution. And passionate about reducing the cost of fertilizers for Nigerian farmers, the price was reduced by fifty percent in a bid to achieve food security in the country.
Therefore, as we journey through the path of nation-building, it is of utmost importance that we embrace the spirit of patriotism and unity that is at the core of our identity as Nigerians.
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Participation is an instrumental driver of democratic and socio-economic change, and a fundamental way to not only empower citizens but to create confidence in the minds of the citizens and political stakeholders.
However, though governments are answerable to the people whose lives are affected by their actions and decisions, citizens have the right to hold peaceful protests, can form pressure groups, and influential groups and pressurize government to take certain decisions, and also take part in the decision-making process by giving feedback to the government on certain issues, laws, and policies.
Thus, the recent reintroduction of the old National Anthem serves as a symbolic gesture of the government’s efforts to set the country on the right path.
This anthem, with its stirring lyrics and evocative imagery, encapsulates the essence of our national identity and the values we hold dear as Nigerians.
Through its verses, we are reminded of the importance of truth, justice, peace, and unity in building a strong and prosperous nation for generations to come.
“Nigeria, we hail thee
Our own dear native land
Though tribes and tongues may differ
In brotherhood, we stand
Nigerians all, are proud to serve
Our sovereign Motherland.”
These words resonate with the spirit of unity in diversity that defines Nigeria.
Despite our differences, we are bound together by our shared love for our country and our commitment to serve with pride and dedication. Let us embrace this unity and let it guide us in our actions and decisions as we work towards a brighter future for Nigeria.
The National Anthem stanza speaks of values of integrity, peace, and legacy that we hold dear as Nigerians. Also, our flag represents our commitment to upholding truth and justice in all our endeavours, whether in times of peace or in moments of challenge.
Since leaders are sourced from among the citizens, and in line with the popular saying that “you can’t give what you don’t have”, here are several steps we can take to cultivate a sense of patriotism in our daily lives and contribute to the well-being of our beloved country, Nigeria.
These steps will be our practical ways to embrace patriotism in our everyday actions as we wait for our opportunities to serve and toolkit for service:
1. Respect for National Symbols; 2. Participate in Civic Activities; 3. Support Local Businesses; 4. Stay Informed; 5. Celebrate Nigerian Culture; 6. Promote Unity and Harmony; 7. Practice Good Citizenship; 8. Engage in Political Process; 9. Support National Development; and 10. Teach Patriotism.
Let us therefore strive to build a nation where these values are upheld and passed on to the next generation, ensuring a legacy of honor and dignity for all Nigerians.
May our actions be guided by the values of our re-introduced National Anthem, and may they inspire us to build a Nigeria where truth, justice, peace, and unity reign supreme.
Jumai Ahmadu PhD, Ag. Director, Reform Coordination and Service Improvement, FCTA, wrote from Abuja
