‘There’s decline in patriotism’ — Tinubu asks minister to carry out reorientation for Nigerians

Mohammed Idris, minister of information, says President Bola Tinubu has directed him to ensure that Nigerians believe in their country again.

The minister spoke with State House correspondents after a meeting with the president on Wednesday.

He said the National Orientation Agency (NOA) will be at the forefront of carrying out the president’s directive.

He added that the directive follows concerns about the decline in patriotism and the spread of misinformation affecting citizens.

“Well, of course, you know, that the belief in the concept of nationhood and patriotism has broken down in this country. This is not in doubt. We’re trying to rebuild that, to reconstruct that,” Idris said.

“Mr. President had given me a matching order to see that Nigerians believe in this country once again, we’re coming up with national discourse on orientation or reorientation so that Nigerians can believe in their country.

“You know that people don’t believe even the leaders that they themselves have elected. Flags are not flying anymore.

“You go to government offices overseas, you do not even see the symbol of our collective existence, flying even in public buildings.

“We are bringing that back, we are bringing back this concept of discipline that Nigerians should have. patriotism, and belief in the nationhood that our founding fathers have told us.

“We are going to post officers to all the 774 LGAs and we are coming up with a roadmap that will revamp that sector so that Nigerians can believe in their country once again.”