Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma, has called on Nigerians to prioritize patriotism and sacrifice for the nation’s progress, emphasizing that true patriotism requires selflessness and the willingness to make sacrifices for the country.
Governor Uzodinma made the call on Thursday in Lagos, while speaking at a public lecture titled: “Where are the Nigerians? A Study on Patriotism and Citizenship” at the Yoruba Tennis Club, saying that reviving patriotism in the country is a task that falls on every Nigerian.
The governor, who was the guest speaker at the event, which was graced by the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; his Ekiti State counterpart, Mr. Kayode Oyebanji; the Ooni of Ife, Oba Eniitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja 11, among others, said revving patriotism required “a fundamental shift in our mindset and behaviour.”
“From the halls of government to the streets, from the cities to the villages, we must all work together to foster a sense of national pride and commitment to our country’s progress,” Uzodinma said.
The governor, while acknowledging the fact that the country is currently faced with significant challenges, quickly affirmed that they were not insurmountable.
According to him, flame of patriotism can be rekindled in Nigeria by promoting good governance, and unity, “investing in education, addressing economic challenges and celebrating our national identity.”
This was just as he also stressed the importance of meritocracy in public and private life, as well as ensuring equal opportunities for all citizens regardless of their background or connections.
“We must also consider how far our nation is driven by merit in her private and public life. How many young people get employed in private and public spaces on merit rather than on who they know or where they come from? How many people move up their career ladder based on merit rather than who they know, their creed, or tribe? How many young men and women have unfettered opportunities to pursue their dreams, careers, or occupations based on what they can offer rather than or who they know or where they come from?
“The questions are indeed endless. The truth is that this nation is not largely merit-driven and that is our major bane,” he lamented.
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“We need to create enough space for everyone to thrive and this should emphasize merit.
“Ladies and gentlemen, from the foregoing, it must be obvious that we all have a duty to find a d reclaim our fellow compatriots – including those in the diaspora. We must engage them all over the task of building the Nigeria nation as part of our responsibility as true patriots.
“Finally, I want to leave you with the words of Adlai Stevenson: ‘Patriotism is not a short and frenzied outburst of emotion, but the tranquillity and steady dedication of a lifetime.’
“The task of our generation is to find or build this category of patriotic Nigerians. Those are the Nigerians the nation needs to survive,” Uzodinma stated.
Earlier, Lagos State Governor Sanwo-Olu, welcomed the guest speaker and his entourage to the state, expressing the hope that the Imo State helmsman would set the tone for a thought-provoking lecture.
Governor Sanwo-Olu also lauded Uzodinma for putting in place laudable projects in his state to lift the people of Imo, saying this had informed his being chosen to deliver the lecture at the occasion.
Chairman of the Yoruba Tennis Club, Bro Olakunle Agbebi, who also spoke earlier, welcomed the Imo State helmsman, describing him as an advocate of good governance and patriotism.
Agbebi, who noted that the country was “in the epoch where we need change,” expressed confidence that the governor, as the guest speaker, would no doubt do justice to the topic of the day, assuring that all participants would have one or two lessons to learn at the end of the lecture.
NIGERIAN TRIBUNE