By Ayo Akinfe
I want to see the National Assembly pass the Nigerian Patriotic Act 2026 — legislation that will make every citizen a stakeholder in our society. One of the missing pieces in Nigeria’s jigsaw puzzle is unconditional patriotism. If our commitment to the nation were not always predicated on personal gain, we would already have built a superpower.
Across history, nations have thrived because of citizens who sacrificed everything. Commander Dudley Morton and Admiral Horatio Nelson laid down their lives so their compatriots could live better. As John F. Kennedy once said: “Our privileges can be no greater than our obligations.” Imagine if every Nigerian became ultra-patriotic, even when there was no reward in sight.
Many of us read Animal Farm in school and remember Boxer, the horse who worked himself to death for the greater good despite Napoleon’s injustices. Unlike modern Nigerians who hide behind corruption and bad leadership, Boxer never gave up. Nigeria needs citizens with that level of devotion.The Patriotic Act should give preference in jobs, promotions, contracts, and appointments to those who sign a Nigerian Oath of Allegiance, pledging to place the nation above ethnicity, religion, material comfort, or personal security.
We need super patriots who will rise above tribalism and prejudice to rescue Nigeria from its current rot.I find the argument that poor leadership excuses a lack of patriotism utterly dishonest. Nigerians remain steadfast in their religious faiths no matter how much they are failed. Like Job in the Bible, they endure suffering without abandoning their beliefs. Why then do we abandon Nigeria at the slightest excuse? Our nation has not treated anyone worse than Job was treated, yet we throw in the towel too easily.
Success often comes not from systems but from the singular acts of patriots. If Commander Morton had given up, the US might have lost the Pacific War. If Nigerians continue to enrich Dubai’s hospitality industry with lavish parties instead of supporting Abuja or Lagos, we are no different from governors who fail to invest in their states.
The mentality is the same — unpatriotic and self-serving.To lance this boil, the National Assembly must pass the Patriotic Act. It would create a cadre of elite Wazobians — de-tribalised, free of religious prejudice, and committed to Nigeria above all else. Just as armies have elite brigades, Nigeria needs a national brigade of patriots to lead us to the Promised Land. At present, too many of our people only act for material gain. That must change.📧 ayoakinfe@gmail.com
🌐 www.ayoakinfe.com
