In an appeal to bolster patriotism among Nigerians, the Federal Government has urged citizens to refrain from making negative remarks against the country.
The call was made by Lanre Issa-Onilu, Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), during a stakeholders’ engagement on the National Anthem, Identity Project, Values Charter, and President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, held in Osogbo, Osun State, on Tuesday.
Mr. Issa-Onilu emphasized the need for Nigerians to cultivate a strong sense of love and commitment to the nation. “You must endure; we have no other country, and Nigeria is richly endowed with both human and material resources. We must never condemn, curse or speak evil about our country. Words have powers,” he remarked.
The NOA boss, represented by Olubukola Olorunfemi, the Director of Report Coordination and Improvement at the agency, outlined the importance of fostering a positive attitude toward the country, highlighting the agency’s nationwide sensitization campaign aimed at promoting unity and a shared sense of nationhood among citizens.
As part of these efforts, the agency plans to recruit 1,000 brigade members from primary and secondary schools in each state, with the goal of instilling values of unity and oneness in the younger generation. According to Mr. Issa-Onilu, “At independence in 1960, we had all the attributes that could make us stronger in our journey to nationhood.”
However, he acknowledged that these attributes have gradually deteriorated over the years. “The qualities and standards began to collapse until the culture, value, norms, and what brought Nigerians together gave way, with no sense of nationhood being promoted again,” he said. In response, President Tinubu reinstated the old National Anthem—”Nigeria We Hail Thee”—on May 29 to rekindle national pride and unity.
The director-general explained that the reintroduction of the anthem aims to evoke a sense of nostalgia, reminding Nigerians of the ideals cherished at the country’s independence. “The national anthem reflects the aspirations and values of the founding fathers when you read it word by word, salutation to us, internalise it to our fatherland. No matter how bad the situation may be, Nigeria houses all of us, though tribes and tongues may differ,” Mr. Issa-Onilu added, emphasizing the need for unity amid diversity.
He further noted that the National Identity Project undertaken by the NOA seeks to redirect Nigerians toward their core values, regardless of class, ethnicity, or religion. Similarly, the National Values Charter defines the social bond that governs the relationships between Nigerian citizens and the state, aiming to instill these guiding principles in the populace.
In line with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Mr. Issa-Onilu reiterated the administration’s commitment to propelling Nigeria toward greater progress.
Speaking earlier at the event, NOA Osun State Director, Bola Morgan, urged citizens to adopt a positive mindset toward Nigeria, noting that the program was designed to create awareness and foster national unity.
The gathering was attended by representatives from market associations, the Christian Association of Nigeria, Muslim groups, student bodies, and youth leaders, among others.
