Daud Olatunji
The Federal Government has called on Nigerians to adopt a more positive and patriotic outlook toward the country despite the challenges facing the nation.
This appeal was made during a stakeholders’ engagement on the “National Anthem, Identity Project, Values Charter, and the Renewed Hope Agenda,” held in Osogbo, Osun State.
Speaking at the event, the Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Malam Lanre Issa-Onilu, emphasized the power of words and urged citizens to refrain from cursing or speaking negatively about Nigeria.
Issa-Onilu, who was represented by the Director of Report Coordination and Improvement at the agency, Mrs. Olubukola Olorunfemi, stressed the importance of patriotism in fostering national unity and development.
“Words have power,” Issa-Onilu said, urging Nigerians to remain hopeful and refrain from condemning their country, no matter the difficulties.
He acknowledged the hardships faced by citizens but reminded them of Nigeria’s wealth in both human and material resources.
“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,” he said, highlighting the importance of maintaining a positive attitude toward the nation.
The NOA chief further reminded Nigerians of the values instilled by the country’s founding fathers, which he said were deeply rooted in unity and brotherhood.
He noted that the old National Anthem, “Nigeria We Hail Thee,” recently reinstated by President Bola Tinubu, serves as a symbol of those values, particularly the anthem’s emphasis on unity despite the country’s diverse tribes, religions, and cultures.
According to Issa-Onilu, the return of the anthem is meant to evoke a sense of nostalgia and remind citizens of the ideals of independence.
“In brotherhood we stand,” he quoted, adding that the anthem serves as a rallying cry for national cohesion.
He also affirmed that the government’s “Renewed Hope Agenda,” spearheaded by President Tinubu, is aimed at propelling Nigeria toward greater development, urging Nigerians to remain steadfast in their support for the country’s progress.
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