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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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Dependable political ally’ — Tinubu celebrates Abdulmumin Jibrin at 50

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President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Abdulmumin Jibrin, the member representing the Kiru/Bebeji federal constituency in the house of representatives, on his 50th birthday.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by Bayo Onanuga, special adviser to the president on information and strategy, Tinubu described Jibrin as a dependable political ally and commended his intellectual rigour, entrepreneurial drive and commitment to public service.

The president praised Jibrin’s pursuit of knowledge, noting that his academic background at the University of Abuja, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, SBS Swiss Business School in Switzerland, Bayero University, Kano, and other institutions has shaped his approach to leadership and public service.

Jibrin holds two PhDs in international relations and economics, as well as an MBA from Bayero University. He also attended executive education programmes at Harvard Business School, Oxford and London Business Schools, and INSEAD in France.

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Tinubu also acknowledged Jibrin’s record in public service, including his leadership of the house committees on finance, appropriations, land transport, foreign affairs, and housing and habitat.

According to the president, the lawmaker has contributed to debates and policies on public finance, fiscal policy, infrastructure and housing.

Jibrin also served as executive director at the Federal Housing Authority (FHA).

“Abdulmumin Jibrin represents a generation of Nigerians whose pursuit of knowledge, enterprise, and public service has been driven by a desire to make a difference,” the president said

His journey from scholarship and business into national politics reflects intellectual curiosity, resilience, and a deep commitment to Nigeria.
“At 50, he has much to celebrate, but I am confident that his most consequential contributions to our nation are still ahead.”

The president wished Jibrin renewed strength, good health, wisdom and fulfilment as he marked the milestone.

He also urged him to continue using his experience and knowledge to mentor younger Nigerians, strengthen democratic institutions and contribute to the development of Kano state and Nigeria.

Jibrin rejoined the All Progressive Congress (APC) in 2025 after he was expelled from the New Nigerian People’s Party (NNPP).

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Ibrahim Little Condemns Attack on Journalists, Calls for Government Commitment to Ending Thuggery

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The gubernatorial candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Alhaji Ibrahim Ali Amin Little, has condemned the recent attack on journalists covering the All Progressives Congress (APC) rally at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano on Saturday

Little, in a statement signed by his Executive Assistant, Adnan Mukhtar, described the attack as unfortunate and unacceptable, calling on security agencies to demonstrate greater commitment to ending political thuggery in the state.

“Politicians are guilty of recruiting and using thugs during political rallies, and I believe this is absolutely wrong. Such actions contribute to the destruction of the future of our young people by exposing them to immoral and criminal activities.

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“It is important that we tell ourselves the truth. A government that claims to be fighting thuggery, phone snatching and drug abuse should not be seen sponsoring or encouraging thugs to attend political rallies. This is unfortunate, unacceptable and uncalled for.

“Political rallies should be platforms for presenting ideas, engaging citizens and seeking their support, rather than breeding grounds for violence and criminality.”

Little extended his sympathy to the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), the affected journalists and all other victims of the incident.

He assured the people of Kano that, if elected, his administration would have zero tolerance for political thuggery and other forms of violence, stressing that his government would prioritise the protection of lives and property and create an environment where journalists and citizens can carry out their legitimate activities without fear.

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Kano Allocates N27.8bn for ICT, CBT Centres Across 44 LGAs

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The Kano State Government has earmarked N27.806 billion for the establishment of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres across the state’s 44 Local Government Areas (LGAs).

The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Muhammad Tajuddin Uthman, disclosed this while addressing journalists at the Kano Press Centre, where he outlined a number of initiatives being undertaken by the government to improve security, education, healthcare and access to technology across the state.

Uthman said the proposed ICT and CBT centres would be established in each of the 44 LGAs to provide residents, particularly students, with access to computers and digital examination facilities without having to travel long distances to Kano metropolis.

The commissioner explained that the initiative was designed to address the difficulties faced by students from rural communities who are required to travel to the state capital to sit for examinations conducted electronically.

According to him, the government considers the establishment of the centres necessary because examinations and other important services are increasingly moving online, making access to computers and reliable internet-enabled facilities essential for students and other members of the public.

Uthman cited areas such as Dambatta and Gaya as examples of communities where students sometimes have to travel to Kano to access CBT facilities, stressing that the new centres would bring such services closer to the people.

He said the centres would not be restricted to examinations, as residents of the respective LGAs would also have opportunities to use the computers and other facilities for various digital activities, thereby improving their digital literacy and access to online services.

The commissioner disclosed that each of the proposed centres would have three compartments, with each compartment designed to accommodate 100 students at a time, giving each centre a total capacity of 300 students.

Uthman further stated that each centre would be equipped with 300 computers to ensure that a large number of candidates could participate in computer-based examinations and other digital activities simultaneously.

He explained that the government was also making provisions for uninterrupted power supply at the centres, with electricity expected to be supported through the Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO), generators and solar-powered systems.

According to him, the centres would operate on a 24-hour basis to maximise their usefulness and ensure that students, residents and other users could access the facilities beyond conventional working hours.

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Uthman said users would be required to pay affordable charges for some of the services provided at the centres, explaining that the fees would help sustain the facilities, maintain the equipment and ensure that the centres remain functional after their establishment.

On security, the commissioner said the state government was strengthening existing security arrangements in the 44 LGAs through additional measures, including the deployment of forest guards to areas where insecurity has been identified as a challenge.

Uthman said the additional security arrangements were aimed at improving rapid response to security threats and enhancing the safety of residents, particularly in local government areas and communities considered vulnerable to attacks.

He further disclosed that military bases would be established in strategic locations across the state as part of measures to strengthen security and improve the government’s ability to respond quickly to emerging threats.

The commissioner said the government was determined to ensure that security challenges did not prevent residents in rural communities from accessing government services, education, healthcare and other opportunities.

On healthcare, Uthman announced plans to provide a rural emergency ambulance for wards across the state’s 44 LGAs as part of efforts to improve access to emergency and basic healthcare services for people living in rural communities.

He explained that the ambulances would be designed specifically for rural environments and would help transport patients requiring urgent medical attention from remote communities to appropriate healthcare facilities.

According to the commissioner, the ambulances would be in the form of tricycles adapted for emergency medical transportation, making them suitable for communities and roads where conventional ambulances may experience difficulties.

Uthman added that each ambulance would have two drivers assigned to it to ensure availability and continuity of service, while qualified drivers would be recruited by the government to operate the vehicles.

He said the rural ambulance programme was specifically intended to bring emergency healthcare closer to rural dwellers and reduce delays in transporting patients to health facilities.

The commissioner also disclosed plans to establish electric vehicle charging points in the metropolitan area as part of the government’s efforts to promote cheaper and more sustainable transportation.

Uthman said the charging infrastructure would support users of electric motorcycles and electric tricycles and would make it easier for residents to adopt electric vehicles as an alternative means of transportation.

He explained that increasing access to charging facilities would contribute to reducing the cost of transportation for residents while also supporting the state’s transition towards cleaner energy-powered mobility.

The commissioner commended Abba Bichi for his contribution towards the provision of solar-powered facilities, describing such initiatives as important to the state’s efforts to expand access to reliable and alternative sources of electricity.

Uthman also said the state government would continue its efforts to revive entrepreneurship, stressing that the development of small businesses and self-employment opportunities remained an important part of its strategy for improving livelihoods and economic opportunities for residents.

He said the various initiatives in ICT, healthcare, security, renewable energy and entrepreneurship were aimed at bringing government services and opportunities closer to residents across the 44 LGAs, particularly those living in rural communities.

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