Nigeria At 65: A Clarion Call To Nigerians To Reawaken Their Docile Patriotic Spirits -By Adesina Julius O.

For so long, we have rested on our oars and gotten comfortable in the victories of our forefathers, forgetting that the building of a nation is more like a relay race than a sprint. The baton of nation-building has been passed from one generation to the other, but it appears that with each passage, team spirit, the spirit of nationalism, and patriotism have fallen by the wayside.

Celebrating Independence isn’t about celebrating the government. It isn’t a time to ask, “What has the country done for you?”

Independence Day celebration isn’t about those currently in power; it is a time to reflect on the (past) sacrifices that have been made for this country and to ask yourself, “What is my contribution to make my country a better place?” instead of harping on what the country has denied you.

Remember that citizens are the government, and the government is us. Then, what role do you play as a Nigerian?

The Nigeria we see today is a result of our collective actions, while the Nigeria we do not see is a consequence of our collective inaction. The power to shape Nigeria for better or worse rests solely in our hands.

One-time President of the United States of America, John F. Kennedy, once said, “It’s not what your country can do for you but what you can do for your country.”

Effective nation building starts when everybody goes back to his community to contribute his quota to ensure meaningful development.

For Nigerians, asking “What can I do for Nigeria?” would mean a greater emphasis on civic responsibility. It would encourage participation in community development, voluntary service, and a willingness to support policies that benefit the wider society, even if they come at a personal cost. This mindset would foster a sense of ownership and pride in the nation’s achievements, reducing the dependence on government handouts and fostering a more resilient, self-reliant populace.

It is, however, pertinent at this juncture to call on Nigerians at 65 to respond to the call for patriotism and nationalism, which would enhance and strengthen our democracy and a better economy for our dear nation.

This is a clarion call to Nigerians to reawaken their docile patriotic spirits to save Nigeria from her topsy-turvy nationhood.

May Nigeria thrive and succeed.

May you be one of those whose efforts and contributions make it thrive and succeed.