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Special Report:Nigerians’ And Waning Patriotism ,Experts Calls for Reform

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Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa- NIGERIAN TRACKER correspondent

Amid growing demands for institutional reforms across Nigeria, a concerning disconnect exists between citizens and the spirit of patriotism a vital catalyst for the very change they seek. Many fail to recognize that patriotism serves as the driving force behind national transformation, a quality currently in short supply among the populace.

Increasingly, Nigerians feel no sense of duty toward their country, with some even viewing national identity as a mark of shame. This raises a critical question: How can meaningful reform take root when such disillusionment persists?

In an effort to investigate the causes and potential solutions to this growing apathy, Nigerian Tracker News correspondent Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa consulted experts for insights:

Historical Roots of Unpatriotism

Political scientist Chukwuemeka Precious Chidiebere traced the issue back to Nigeria’s pre-independence era, where loyalty was often divided along ethnic and tribal lines.

“Even before independence, the patriotism displayed by leaders was largely tied to ethnic and tribal affiliations,” Chidiebere noted. “This division fueled the civil war an unequivocally unpatriotic conflict.”

He emphasized that true patriotism hinges on unity and upholding national values, qualities he argued were absent in past leadership.

When asked about the impact of poor governance on citizens’ loyalty, Chidiebere was unequivocal: “Leaders have normalized broken promises, breeding political apathy another form of unpatriotism. Poor leadership is undeniably a major factor in the erosion of national loyalty.”

Comparing Nigeria to other African nations, he observed that the country ranks low in patriotism, attributing this to systemic governance failures.

Leadership Failures Fuel Disillusionment

Sociologist Isah Imran expanded on the discussion, criticizing Nigerian leaders for failing to set a patriotic example.

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“Many of our leaders seek medical care, education, and investments abroad resources that could strengthen local institutions,” Imran stated. “This contradicts core patriotic values: sacrifice, national pride, and faith in domestic systems.”

A Path Forward

Despite these challenges, both experts expressed cautious optimism about Nigeria’s future.

Imran outlined key prerequisites for progress: “Good governance led by honest, transparent leaders is essential to rebuilding trust. Nigerians must also prioritize national identity over ethnic divisions.”

Echoing this sentiment, Chidiebere stressed that unity can only be achieved when discourse transcends tribal and ethnic biases.

As calls for reform grow louder, the experts’ message is clear: without a resurgence of patriotism from both leaders and citizens Nigeria’s path to meaningful change remains uncertain.

Voices From Ordinary Nigerians

Various Nigerians shared their candid opinion on how they feel about the country:

Omeiza Alfa, a 200 level student of engineering was asked if he considers himself a patriotic Nigerian and he responded, “Honestly, I don’t know if I am one.”

When asked why, he said: “with the level of suffering and the economic situation of the country, I am considering leaving the country for greener pastures–which is certainly not a patriotic mindset.”

Another respondent, Nazir Musa, was of the opinion that if given the opportunity to change one thing that could make Nigerians more patriotic, he will definitely recommend a drastic reform in the governance system of the country:

“It’s in this country that Nigerian senators are earning in millions of naira excluding their allowances–more than the professors that are serving as lecturers in the universities,” “no professor in Nigerian universities earn close to a million naira,” he criticized.

“So if I could change one thing to make Nigerians more patriotic, it will definitely be the system of governance where lecturers will be well compensated and our graduates gainfully employed,” Mr. Nazir proposed.

Sodiq Oluwatele Jimoh, a final year student of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, was also of the same opinion that he isn’t sure if he is a patriotic Nigerian:

“Although, I will never try anything to break the law in the country but, being a patriotic citizen is something I am not sure of.”

When asked why, Mr. Jimoh responded that he is political apartheid:

“I don’t vote. As a matter of fact, I don’t even have voter’s card,” he added.

Mr. Sodiq also recommended that for Nigerians to be patriotic, there should be good governance, and for that to happen, allowances and salaries of the elected political office holders should be reduced in such a manner that only those with genuine intention to make good impacts in the country will contest for elections.

From professionals to everyday citizens, the consensus is clear: tangible governance reforms not just rhetoric are essential to restoring faith and patriotism among Nigerians.

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15th Emir Of Kano Condemns Destruction Of Governor Yusuf’s Banners, Orders Immediate Replacement

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15th Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, has expressed displeasure over the destruction of banners bearing the images of the Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf.

The 15th Emir’s Chief Councillor, Alhaji Aminu Babba Dan’agundi, Sarkin Dawaki Babba, disclosed this while addressing journalists, saying that the Emir had already directed that the damaged banners be repaired.

According to him, 15th Emir Bayero stressed that the traditional institution must remain above partisan politics, saying, “We are fathers of the people, not politicians.” He therefore appealed to the Emir’s supporters and well-wishers to avoid bringing partisan political activities into the affairs of the traditional institution.

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The Sarkin Dawaki Babba also conveyed the 15th Emir’s appreciation to the thousands of supporters men and women, youths and elders who demonstrated their love and loyalty by complying with the government’s directive and accompanying the Emir on foot to his residence at the Nassarawa Palace, despite the heavy rainfall and strong winds.

He said the 15th Emir had no adequate words to express his gratitude to the people for their show of love, patience and solidarity, adding that His Highness prayed that Almighty Allah would reward them abundantly.

The 15th Emir also urged his supporters to continue with prayers, as is customary, for peace, stability and progress in Kano State and Nigeria, as well as abundant blessings and prosperity for the people.

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PCACC Arrests Man Over Alleged ₦4.5m Sale, Illegal Leasing of Kano Government Horse Stable

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The Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC) has arrested one Tasiu Adamu Maje over the alleged illegal sale and leasing of a government-owned Horse Stable at the Race Course, popularly known as Filin Sukuwa, in Kano.

The Commission disclosed this in a statement signed by its Acting Chairman, Hafsat Ada’u Kutama, Esq., where it said the arrest followed complaints lodged by Muhammad Amir Yunusa and Usman Bala Yakasai, popularly known as Sharif, over alleged unauthorised dealings involving the government property.

According to the PCACC, the complainants alleged that Maje transferred and offered the Horse Stable to private individuals despite having no lawful authority to sell, lease or otherwise dispose of the government-owned property.

The Commission said its investigation established that the Kano State Sports Commission, which is the statutory body responsible for the allocation and management of Horse Stables in the state, had no knowledge of or involvement in the purported transactions.

The PCACC said it invited and interviewed individuals connected with the transactions as part of its investigation into the allegations.

According to the Commission, the investigation revealed that the Kano State Sports Commission did not authorise any transaction involving the Horse Stable and that the property had never been officially allocated to any individual either through sale or lease.

The anti-corruption commission further said the document allegedly relied upon by the suspect to facilitate the transaction was not an approved or recognised document of the Kano State Sports Commission.

The Commission added that the same unapproved document was allegedly used in transactions involving two different individuals, raising further concerns about the legitimacy of the dealings.

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According to the PCACC, the sale, lease or transfer of government-owned Horse Stables to private individuals without the requisite approval is contrary to established government policy and applicable administrative procedures.

The Commission alleged that Maje agreed to sell the Horse Stable to Muhammad Amir Yunusa for ₦4.5 million while simultaneously collecting rent from Usman Bala Yakasai.

The PCACC said ₦180,000 was demanded as rent from Yakasai, out of which ₦150,000 was reportedly paid in connection with the purported transaction.

Following its investigation, the Commission declared the purported transactions involving the Horse Stable unauthorised and invalid.

The Commission maintained that the property remains the property of the Kano State Government and is under the control and management of the Kano State Sports Commission.

According to the PCACC, no individual has the authority to sell, lease, transfer or otherwise dispose of government property without the appropriate legal and administrative approval.

The Commission said it had commenced steps to recover the Horse Stable and return it to the Kano State Sports Commission.

The PCACC further disclosed that the suspect is expected to be arraigned before a court of competent jurisdiction, where the allegations against him will be subjected to due process.

The Commission said it would also pursue all appropriate administrative and legal measures in accordance with the law in connection with the case.

The Acting Chairman warned individuals who may attempt to convert government property into private assets or sources of personal profit that such conduct would not be tolerated.

According to Kutama, government property is not meant for private sale, unauthorised leasing or personal financial gain.

The Commission said it would continue to investigate allegations involving the unlawful disposal, transfer or commercialisation of public assets and would take appropriate action against anyone found to have violated the law, regardless of status.

The PCACC also advised members of the public to exercise caution before entering into transactions involving government property.

The Commission urged prospective buyers, tenants and investors to verify the ownership, allocation and legal status of any government property directly with the relevant government authority before making payments or entering into agreements.

The anti-corruption commission reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding government property, preventing abuse of public assets and promoting accountability, transparency and responsible management of public resources.

The PCACC also called on members of the public to report suspected corruption, abuse of office, illegal disposal of government property and other forms of misconduct through its official reporting channels.

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Rep. Abubakar Bichi Employs 100 New Islamic School Teachers in Bichi

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The Federal lawmaker representing the Bichi Federal Constituency, Hon. Abubakar Kabir Abubakar Bichi, has inaugurated 100 new Islamic school teachers as part of efforts to strengthen Islamic education in the Bichi Local Government Area of Kano State.

The inauguration ceremony was held on Sunday, 27 September 2026, and marked the fourth batch of School Teachers employed under the lawmaker’s initiative bringing the total of number of teachers engaged through the programme to 600.

Before their employment, the 100 teachers underwent a special examination conducted at the directive of the lawmaker. Those who obtained the highest scores across the 11 wards of Bichi Local Government Area were selected for the teaching positions.

The lawmaker had previously supported the teachers by paying their monthly allowances as volunteers before formally employing them as full-time teachers in Islamic schools across the local government area.

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Prominent Islamic scholars and dignitaries attended the inauguration ceremony, including Sheikh Habibu Dan Almajiri, Chairman of the Kano State Zakkah Commission; Dr. Nazifi Ishak, former Kano State Commissioner for Religious Affairs; Dr. Zahrau Muhammad Umar, former Commissioner for Women Affairs; and Sheikh Sanusi Sharif Bichi.

Also in attendance were the Chairman of Bichi Local Government Area, Alhaji Hamza Sule Maifata; the Director-General of the APC Campaign Council in Bichi, Alhaji Sani Mukaddas, and the Kano State APC Secretary, Prof. Yusuf Muhammad Sabo.

The Islamic scholars and other dignitaries commended Hon. Abubakar Kabir Abubakar Bichi for his efforts towards improving both Islamic and modern education in the Bichi Local Government Area.

Hon. Abubakar Kabir Abubakar has also previously engaged several youths in various sectors, including healthcare, environmental services, education and other community development activities, as part of his efforts to create opportunities for young people across Bichi Federal Constituency and Kano State.

The lawmaker, who serves as the Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriation, has consistently expressed his commitment to youth development and community empowerment through various initiatives across the constituency.

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