The need to inculcate the spirit of patriotism among the younger generation was brought to the fore over the weekend, as stakeholders believe this is critical to national growth.
Old students of the Government Secondary School, Garki, who pushed forward the argument at a reunion dinner, also tasked the political class on nation building, in order to discourage brain drain the current japa syndrome.
Speaking at the event to mark the 30th anniversary of GSS Garki Set of 1994, president of the forum, Festus Uduebor, said it was time Nigerians begin to develop a sense of national pride if we must compete among the committee of nations.
He said, “Patriotism is all about contentment, because it is everything as it takes you to a lot of places in life. Once you are contented with what you have, you don’t have to steal or do anything to get rich quickly.
“The truth is there is no country like Nigeria, as we have everything we need, as God has blessed us. It is just that a few cabals are holding the country to ransom which is going to be in a very short time, and I’m sure everything will be alright.
“If others do not build their country, you won’t want to go there to live. So we should also help to build our country just like other people helped built their own countries.”
On how to help build patriotism in the young ones, he said as a group of educated people they will continue to talk to the young ones and offering impactful interventions from time to time.
He harped on the need for the youths to remain focused, commited and determined to achieve their goals, so as to be able to contribute positively to the society.
“We gave a bit of scholarships to some students of the school where we came from, because the school made us what we are today.
“We only gave them a token, to appreciate some of the students by giving them scholarships.”
Also speaking on the theme of the reunion, ‘Building Patriotic Leaders For Tomorrow,’ Chairman of the Planning Committee, Dr. Peter Olumuji, explained that a true Nigerian has no other choice than to believe in the country.
“As our own generation is passing away, we have a younger generation that is taking over from us, and that is the generation that we are talking about.
“Believing in your nation is a must, so we have no choice than to believe in Nigeria. This (Nigeria) is still the only nation that you can go as a citizen, and you are free to express yourself .
“The word of caution to us is that we must be a people that will encourage the younger generation to focus on imbibing and promoting patriotism. As they must be patriotic at every point in time.
“Let us not speak ill of our nation, because there is no nation that doesn’t have their our own troubled waters.
“This platform is one that will outshine generations to come, but one thing I want to state clearly is that we must become resilient, dedicated and lovers of our nation.
“Most of us schooled in Abuja, we can seen the transformation in the FCT. This shows that the administration is working well. So if you want the change that you are dreaming of, it starts with you.
