By Diana Omueza
The World Sustainable Development Goals Organisation, an international NGO supporting implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals across member nations, has urged Nigerians to embrace patriotism, peace and national unity.
Mr Abdussalam Zaura, the newly appointed African Continental Governor of the organisation, made the call at a news conference in Abuja on Tuesday .
Zaura said there was an urgent need to promote patriotism in Nigeria, as the bedrock of sustainable peace, national unity and development.
He warned against anti-patriotic behaviours and other acts capable of undermining national security and stability in Nigeria and other African countries.
According to him, national consciousness and a strong sense of civic responsibility remain essential for building an enduring, peaceful and progressive society.
“There is no country without patriots, and patriotism remains the foundation for sustainable peace and development.
“We are calling for a National Security and Patriotism Campaign in Nigeria to strengthen unity, deepen national consciousness and promote enduring patriotic values,” he said.
Zaura said the organisation was set to launch a nationwide security and patriotism campaign aimed at fostering national cohesion and improving citizens’ participation in peacebuilding efforts.
He added that plans were also underway to partner with key stakeholders, including the Minister of Defence, retired generals, traditional rulers, governors and senior security officials nationwide, to achieve the objective.
He said that the campaign would be implemented in Kano, Kaduna, Taraba, Zamfara, Benue, Kogi, Kwara, Edo, Anambra, Enugu, Rivers, Lagos, Oyo, Adamawa and Kebbi states.
The continental governor said the five-month initiative was designed to promote patriotism, educate youths on military sacrifices and instil discipline, leadership and civic responsibility among young Nigerians.
“We believe the campaign will strengthen civil-military relations, counter misinformation, establish sustainable Patriotism Clubs and provide scholarship for each participating state.
“Our target audience includes university students, senior secondary school students, youth organisations and other youth-focused groups critical to instilling enduring patriotic values,” he said.
Zaura noted that the initiative was deliberate and strategic in addressing growing concerns surrounding insecurity, misinformation and declining civic values among youths.
He urged Nigerians to embrace discipline, leadership and patriotic service, while promoting institutional respect, national pride and responsible citizenship across communities.
“The campaign will also provide moral and civic education, address contemporary national challenges and inspire leadership among younger generations,” he said.
He called for sustained campaigns to enhance youth participation in security efforts, promote support for the military, tackle arms proliferation and curb thuggery nationwide.
Zaura stressed the need to advance intelligence awareness and encourage responsible community reporting to support ongoing national security and peacebuilding initiatives.
He said his appointment as African Continental Governor placed on him the responsibility of promoting peace, sustainable development, national cohesion and security consciousness across Africa.
He expressed confidence that the campaign would nurture patriotic citizens and contribute to building a more united, peaceful and resilient Nigeria. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Chidi Opara
