UNPATRIOTIC LOVE OF NIGERIA
By Ibrahim Garba Wala
We were all sent to school not just for the knowledge of ABCD but for the values of the knowledge of ABCD. One’s memories of school bordered along national consciousness aimed at inculcating patriotism. Remember, the first time during assembly the recitation of the National Pledge and Anthem. Adherence to rules and regulations in schools simulate obedience to law and order in society. Social studies is one of the subjects used in the classroom to imbue into children the knowledge of our beloved country. The national curriculum was meant to inject knowledge and values that give one the dignity and respect that will reflect in the image of the nation. Poor learning condition in our schools does not positively portray the true spirit of commitment to education by our leaders and parents. This situation can only be describes as ‘unpatriotic love of Nigeria’.
We should constantly reflect at the national pledge in a bid to guide us on the importance of our values -:
I pledge to Nigeria my Country,
To be faithful, loyal and honest
To serve Nigeria with all my strength
To defend her unity and uphold her honour and glory,
So help me God!
Do we simply say, recite, chant the National Anthem? Whichever we do, it’s no mere hymn; its still conveys the important message of connecting citizens with their mother land like a marriage vow between the bride and groom.
The first line says, I pledge to Nigeria my Country, the underlined word means ‘promise, vow, oath, assurance, swear’, the implication of swearing or undertaking between ourselves or anything cannot be over emphasized. Whenever we fail to fulfil a promise to our children at home, the guilt continues to haunt us. Aren’t we ashamed of unfulfilling uncountable promises we make between ourselves and the nation?
Then, what about, To be faithful, loyal and honest, being trustworthy is being an honest and loyal citizen to country. This is a strong statement that serves as a deterrent to corrupt tendencies; perhaps, our actions ignore our conscience - the call to do right. Such negative influence must be overcome for our own good else the consequences are infinite.
To serve Nigeria with all my strength, the strength of serving our nation does not imply only the physical strength like that of the military. This is about individual ability to refrain from unpatriotic acts that will cause one to engage in unwarranted practices as prohibited by law.
To defend her unity and uphold her honour and glory, do not think of what the nation can do for you but what you can do for your nation, it is important we build and protect our nation by defending her unity. There is power behind unity as we all know that united we stand, but divided we fall. Upholding her honour demands credibility of citizens, consciousness of integrity which translates to the overall good image of our country. Glorified is the nation whose citizens are of high integrity, command justice, fairness and are governed by rule of law.
Let’s not forget that God will not guarantee any successful struggle, unless, it is in good faith and for the general good of country and society. So help me God! Whatever we vow or promise requires God’s power and support. Seeking God’s help is more prominent but our actions must comply with His will.
Therefore, to understand the importance of the national pledge is to recharge and rekindle a new spirit of commitment and love to our country. It is time we recognize and believe in the existence of this geographical expression called Nigeria as destined by our Creator through our founding fathers. We are responsible for shaping our destiny by utilizing God-given potentials to build our country. Does it ever occur to us that the role of destiny in our lives is strong enough to bring us together as one Nigeria?
Peace, love and compassion are the spirit that bonds the existence of our homes. An everlasting spirit of peace and love envelops us and we feel it by extending it to our brothers and sisters. It is so invaluable that people even die for freedom, peace and love; countries go to war in order to secure freedom that gives security to a nation.
How come when you walk down the street, you see people crying, frowning and fighting? How come some go to bed with empty stomachs? What happens to those who live without basic amenities like potable water, healthcare, jobs, etc? How many people die every minute as a result of frustration and police brutality? Where is the love we have for our brothers, sisters, friends, neighbours, colleagues, country men and women?
The fact that we all live in one country as Nigerians is not enough because we breathe the same air does not imply unity and love. Our coming together in schools, churches, mosques, markets and plying on the roads symbolise the great power of coming together. This reveals how substantial our bonds are. Why do we underestimate the magic of living in harmony with people, so, why do we need a shoulder to lean on? Simply because we are smart enough to realize that we cannot bury our loved ones alone?
Dear compatriots, as my pen produces each letter that form my words, so my heart aches and no amount of teardrops will destroy this massage; I cry because I care and am aware of the strength needed to help me carry on this clarion call for patriotism. I also realize the waste of time in apportioning blame to our leaders and believe that my destiny lies in my hands. The joy of existence is the self realisation of being a citizen of a country endowed with natural and human resources.
May the love of one another collectively echo on the horizon of our beloved country and may it shower down on us in peace and tranquillity. Long-live, Naija@Heart Initiative (NatHI), long-live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Written by: Ibrahim Garba Wala
(08036426789) naija_heart@yahoo.com
