Unless there is a total attitudinal change, it will be difficult to elicit patriotism in Nigerians, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma said yesterday.
According to him purposeful leadership and accountability must be entrenched by leaders across the country to build trust among Nigerians.
He added that this will ensure Nigeria remains a country where patriotism thrives.
According to him, national unity and inclusivity are paramount to make Nigerians patriotic.
Uzodimma spoke in Lagos while delivering a lecture at the Yoruba Tennis Club in Onikan.
The lecture is titled: “Where are the Nigerians? A study on patriotism and citizenship”
The chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC) Governors Forum said: “We must strengthen our national symbol and tradition. Reviving patriotism is a task for all of us. We must all work together to foster and rekindle the flames of patriotism in our country by promoting unity.”
The lecture was attended by dignitaries, including Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, former governors, leaders of taught in Imo State, traditional rulers, among others.
Uzodinma pointed out that provision of security, prosperity, inclusivity, justice and level playing ground would renew patriotic zeal among Nigerians.
He urged leadership to engage in the task of building a united nation, and rebuild trust, so as to erase the culpable despair most Nigerians have for the country.
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The governor observed further that patriotism fosters a sense of belonging, uniting citizens from diverse to work together for the nation’s development.
He raised some posers, such as: “It is unrealistic to expect unconditional patriotism from a man or woman, boy or girl whose loved ones were mowed down by bandits, whose means of livelihood is threatened by criminals acting with impunity, whose sense of security is compromised and whose feeling of belonging is shortchanged because of his or her ethnic or religious background.
“Patriotism is alien to such people, especially when it seems the country has given them neither justice nor reprieve. Can you preach patriotism to the men, women and children who have been living in IDP camps across the country?
“If citizens have no confidence in the capacity of the country to provide social justice or equity, is it fair to expect fervent loyalty or patriotism from them?”
The governor said those in the leadership positions and stakeholders must right the wrongs to ginger the spirit of patriotism among the populace. He said the mistrust and several heartbreaks the citizens have suffered were responsible for declining patriotism in the country.
The governor maintained that the wave of ‘japa syndrome’ was informed by Nigerians’ quest to have a better life and live where the system works.
Those at the event include: Former Governor of Old Imo State Gen Ike Nwachukwu, former Ikedi Ohakim, Bashorun J K. Randle, Çhíef Uche Nnaji, Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Oguwusi, Chief Olakunle Agbebi, SAN, Sen. Ben Obi, Dr Mac Donald Ebere, Otunba Johnson Fasawe, Chief Greg Mbadiwe, Sen. Osita Izunaso, Imo State Commissioner for Information Declan Emelumba, Eze Cletus Ilomuanya, King Dakolo, Chief Martin Agbaso, Chief Alex Duduyemi, and Chris Anyanwu.