As I search my mind in a bid to find what to write about on my first
“patriotic” series, I am faced with a few options; integrity,
discipline, and values. Just when I thought I’ll be writing on
integrity, a seemingly better idea came to mind and that is what this
article is all about.
Few days ago, I logged unto Facebook (I try to keep track on
what’s going on in people’s life), scrolled through the updates and
something caught my attention. It was the diamond bank centenary
challenge.
The competition required a not more than
100-word article highlighting what makes you a true Nigerian.
I think and believe that this simple question “what makes you a true
Nigerian” is the basics and foundation of patriotism. Patriotism is
gotten from the word patriot: it means a proud supporter or defender of
his/her own country and way of life. If you are wondering: “what has
being a true Nigerian got to do with Patriotism?” I will try to explain.
It is expedient that we identify who we truly are, what makes us who
we are, and what values we hold. When we fail to answer these questions,
we jump at anything presented to us. A branch cannot survive alone. In
the same way we need to identify our roots, we need to identify what
makes us true Nigerians.
Is it the fact that things are hard yet you cope? Is it the endless
lies from our politicians? Is it the supposed cowardice of the average
Nigerian? Is it the “na our brother leave am to chop the money”
mentality? Is it the injustice? Is it the epileptic power supply? Is it
the large inequality between the rich and the poor? Are these the things
that make you a true Nigerian?
Back to our definition of Patriotism: a defender. What is there to
defend when we’ve lost track of our values? What is there to defend when
the common man sees himself as someone without rights? What is there to
defend when our youths cannot stand head-high and say no to social and
political vices because they’ve been smitten by the reality of
unemployment. You are not far from the truth if these are the thoughts
going through your mind.
In conclusion, Patriotism is not an in-born trait, patriotism is
learned and taught. The values we set as parents, as teachers, as
pastors, as imams, as elder brothers and sisters, as managers, as
entrepreneurs, as business people, as employees, they determine whether
we are patriotic or not. The answers we give to what makes us true
Nigerians determines if we are patriotic or not. Patriotism is just a
big word: support what is right, know your values and rights and defend
them, this is Patriotism.
Patriotism begins with you!
I will like to end with this question “what makes you a true Nigerian?”
Post by: Saudu Clement
Email: 1stclem@gmail.com
Bbm: 265629cb
Stiring Patiotism in Nigeria
Our dream is to raise a generation of patriots in Nigeria.
