President Bola Ahmed Tinubu expressed that a mandatory recitation of the National Anthem and Pledge in all official gatherings should be done by Nigerians.
The President claimed that Nigerians are no longer patriotic, hence the implementation of the compulsory recitation of the National Pledge after the Anthem.
During the groundbreaking ceremony of the 3,112 housing-unit Renewed Hope City at Karsana, Abuja o Thursday, he mentioned that reciting the National Pledge strengthens the allegiance and fidelity of Nigerians to the country, and showing respect to the national symbols improves commitment to the values of the nation.
Ajuri Ngalale, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity informed the public that the president has emphasised the need for respect for national symbols to imbue respect for the efforts of our past heroes and also to foster unity and love among Nigerians.
Quoting the President:
“Before I left home this morning, I asked for a printout of the National Pledge, and we have to relaunch it again at this event. The relaunch is about being committed to the values, greatness, and hope of our country. It is our pledge to Nigeria, our country, to be faithful, loyal, and honest. To serve Nigeria with all your strength – we saw it on the field of play yesterday. We were all rejoicing. Everyone one of us loves victory. We love to win. When you are positive and you are hopeful, Nigeria is winning.
“We did not say it will be Eldorado and smooth all the way. But we are confident that this country will excel in all ramifications. We will defend our unity and uphold Nigeria’s glory in every way possible because we are Nigerians, and we have no other country.”
