No man can be a patriot on an empty stomach, says Gov. Uzodinma
By Ishaya Ibrahim
Nigerians love their country but the country has not reciprocated the gesture, says Governor of Imo State Hope Uzodinma during a public lecture on Thursday at the prestigious Yoruba Tennis Club in Lagos.
Uzodinma, while speaking on the topic: “Where are the Nigerians – A Discourse on Patriotism and Citizenship, used the words of famous English Poet, William Cowper who said ‘No man can be a patriot on an empty stomach,’ in explaining the waning patriotic zeal among Nigerians.
At the event, Uzodinma released the results of a study he commissioned to gauge the level of patriotism among Nigerians.
On love for country, the study which samples views of 1,670 Nigerians from across the country representing different demography, shows that 74% love Nigeria either too much, very much or moderately. Only 26% had little or no love for the country.
On whether they believe Nigeria offers equal opportunities for its diverse peoples, 85% said no. Only 15% said yes.
The study shows that most Nigerians, 35% of the sample population, preferred the country as the place they wished to live for the rest of their lives. Canada comes second with 25% while the U.S. comes third with 23%.
On willingness to fight for Nigeria, 64% said they won’t. But 35% said they will fight for Nigeria.
The study shows the majority of Nigerians representing 38% have no confidence in security agencies. 32% have slight confidence. Only 24% are confident or very confident of security agencies.
The lecture occasion was a gathering that brought together political leaders, traditional rulers, captains of industries, academics, industrialists, professionals, the media and Nigerians from all walks of life.
Among the roll call are Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji, former Army Chief and Senator, Gen Ike Nwachukwu, ex-Governor of Imo State, Ikedi Ohakim, Minister for Technology and Innovation, Çhíef Uche Nnaji, Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Oguwusi, Bashorun J K. Randle, Chief Olakunle Agbebi, SAN, Sen. Ben Obi, Imo State APC Chairman, Dr Mac Donald Ebere, Otunba Johnson Fasawe, Chief Greg Mbadiwe, Sen. Osita Izunaso, Declan Emelumba, Eze Cletus Ilomuanya, King Dakolo, Martin Agboso, Chief Alex Duduyemi, Chris Anyanwu among others.
READ ALSO: NLC, TUC justify accepting N70,000 as new minimum wage
The Imo Governor who spoke for almost an hour and a half, is among very few Nigerians to deliver a lecture at the more than 100-year-old Yoruba Tennis Club.
Uzodinma expressed deep concern over the sense of love and national pride exhibited among Nigerians for the country. He stressed that unless patriotic zeal is strengthened and its threat properly addressed, Nigerians would continue to record low-level commitment to love for the country.
Uzodinma pointed out that provision of security, prosperity, inclusivity, justice and a level playing ground would renew patriotic zeal among Nigerians.
He urged leaders at all levels to engage in the task of building a united nation and rebuilding trust to erase the culpable despair most Nigerians have for the country.
The governor observed further that patriotism fosters a sense of belonging, uniting citizens from diverse backgrounds to work together for the nation’s development.
Uzodinma said: “First and foremost, we must promote and embody our national values, citizenship, integrity, and national pride should not just be only words we recite, but principles we live by.
“We must keep looking to our history for inspiration. Our founding fathers and leaders of Independent Nigeria had patriotism in their DNA.
“But the sweet lyrics of an anthem, the soothing words of a pledge, the bright colours of a flag and the wishes of our forefathers will not be enough. Accountability, integrity, and purposeful leadership must be at the forefront of our efforts,” he said.