A former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega, and the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, have urged Nigerians to embrace a renewed sense of patriotism and national responsibility.
They made the call at the launch of the ‘Rise Up Patriots’ themed ‘Take Pride in Our Nation’, organized by the Unveiling and Rebranding Nigeria Initiative (URNI) in Abuja, on Saturday.
The conference was organised in collaborating with the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation; Information and public relations departments in the Federal Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
Prof. Jega delivering the keynote said that that true patriots are most needed in times of challenges, where unity, resilience, and active civic engagement can help lift the nation and help overcome the challenges.
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Reflecting on Nigeria’s post-independence era, Jega recalled a time when the country served as a beacon of hope for Africa, and also inspiring Black communities across the world.
He praised the selfless leadership of the First Republic, which he said laid a solid foundation for nation-building, but he voiced 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 talent, known as the ‘japa’ phenomenon.
“This trend symbolizes a dangerous loss of hope, one that dedicated patriots must counter by restoring faith in the country’s future. Citizens have stay engaged, vote, pay taxes, and constructively critique leaders to ensure that governance remains accountable. We must reject the narrative of a failed state and work to reform our systems, to bridge divisions, and to build a nation that serves all its citizens,” Jega said.
Idris, represented by Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mallam Lanre Isa Onilu, unveiled the National Identity Project, which he said was a new government initiative aimed at fostering a shared sense of purpose and unity among Nigerians.
He said the project includes the ‘Seven Pillars of the Nigerian Promise’ and ‘Citizen Codes’ to outline mutual commitments between the government and the citizens.
“Patriotism must come from the heart and cannot be enforced. Patriotism is deeply emotional, it cannot be legislated or imposed, but rather inspired. Patriotism is built over time, through shared values and a sense of purpose. The initiative is designed to nurture these ideals from childhood through adulthood.
“With initiatives such as compulsory civic education, an increase in Nigerian-based media content, and the formation of Citizen Brigades to foster leadership among youth, the project seeks to instill pride and commitment in the next generation,” he said.
URNI Patron, Ambassador Hassan Tukur, said that leadership grounded in character and competence is essential for Nigeria’s progress.
He recalled an era when Nigerians built strong bonds across ethnic and religious divides, calling for a return to these values and linked the nation’s socioeconomic challenges to a lack of strong leadership and urged those in power to prioritize job creation, resource mobilization, and unity of citizens.
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