The Federal Government of Nigeria has urged Nigerians to adopt a more positive outlook toward their country, stressing the need for patriotism and unity in the face of challenges.
The call was made during a stakeholders’ engagement on the “National Anthem, Identity Project, Values Charter, and the Renewed Hope Agenda” held in Osogbo, where the Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Malam Lanre Issa-Onilu, stressed the power of words and the importance of refraining from negative comments about the nation.
Issa-Onilu, represented by Mrs. Olubukola Olorunfemi, the agency’s Director of Report Coordination and Improvement, stated that “words have power,” urging Nigerians to desist from cursing or condemning their country.
He pointed out that while the nation faces undeniable difficulties, citizens must remember that Nigeria remains their home and is blessed with abundant resources.
According to him, Nigeria’s resilience and potential should be cherished, and negativity avoided at all costs.
He called on Nigerians to endure the current challenges and embrace a sense of patriotism, as the country works toward achieving unity and national progress.
He stated, “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.”
Issa-Onilu pointed out that Nigeria’s founding fathers instilled the values of unity and brotherhood, which were reflected in the nation’s old National Anthem, “Nigeria We Hail Thee.”
He revealed that the anthem was recently reinstated by President Bola Tinubu to evoke nostalgia and remind Nigerians of the nation’s ideals of independence.
He added that despite differences in tribe, religion, and culture, the anthem emphasizes that “in brotherhood we stand.”
Issa-Onilu affirmed that the government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, under President Tinubu, is designed to propel Nigeria toward greater development.
