By NAN 

President Bola Tinubu has called on citizens to reignite patriotism through responsible citizenship and leadership for the holistic growth and development of the country.

Tinubu gave the charge at the inauguration of “My Nigeria, My Responsibility Campaign Materials on Monday in Abuja.

The event with the theme, “Reigniting Patriotism Through Responsible Citizenship and Leadership was organised by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Citizenship and Leadership, Malam Nasir Aminu. 

Tinubu, who was represented by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, said the theme represents the very blueprint for national rebirth, towards the New Nigeria we are collectively building.

He noted that patriotism is not a spectator sport or a title we claim, only when our nation triumphs, adding that true patriotism is an active verb. 

According to him, It is the choice we make every day to be responsible for our nation’s story, its progress, and image. 

“It is the shared understanding that the destiny of Nigeria does not rest in the hands of a select few in Abuja, but in the daily actions, words, and choices of over 200 million citizens.

“Your responsibility is fiscal citizenship: Patriotism is in the taxes you pay. It is the most concrete transaction of trust between a citizen and the state. Your compliant contribution is your equity stake in Nigeria’s success story.

“Your responsibility is to own our story: Be an ambassador of truth. In the digital age, do not weaponise misinformation. Highlight the progress, the innovation and the peace.

“Your responsibility is to live our values: Embody the Citizens’ Charter of National Values through integrity, patriotism, diligence, tolerance, and excellence, in your workplace, community, and online interactions,”Tinubu said.

He further explained that in this noble endeavour, we are not walking blindly, stressing that, we are guided by the living example of a leader who has, for decades, personified this campaign. 

According to him, his entire political career is a testament to patriotic commitment to democracy; from the trenches of the pro-democracy struggles to the mantle of governance.

He maintained that such commitment is the bedrock of his administration’s bold, patriotic, and forward-looking policies designed for sustainable generational impact. 

“They are the tangible evidence of a government that listens, refines, and acts with the courage of its convictions for the long-term good of all.

“Some profound evidence of this responsible governance include, the initiative of economic renewal, tax justice, architecture of a new prosperity and security and human capital. This is responsible governance that listens. 

“The iterative adjustments to economic policies based on your feedbacks, championed by the Ministry of Information through National Orientation Agency, show a government in constant conversation with its people,” Tinubu said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that dignitaries at the event include envoys from Cuba, the EU, China, the Deputy Senate President, Sen. Jibrin Barau, Minister of Women Affairs,  Hajia Imaam Suleiman-Ibrahim and many others.

High point of the event was the unveiling of the “My Nigeria, My Responsibility” Campaign Materials and musical performance by Timi Dakolo and spoken words performance by Mary Anjorin.

NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA