Rewarding Patriotism Through National Recognition

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By Oluwaseyi Ajibade

In the wake of the tragic incident in Okuama, Delta State, where 16 soldiers lost their lives for exhibiting patriotism, in a brutal ambush by angry youths, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s response has been nothing short of commendable.

The President’s swift action to address the plight of the fallen soldiers and their families not only reflects empathy but also underscores the importance of honouring patriotism and the sacrifices made by those who serve to protect our nation’s territorial integrity.

The promise made by President Tinubu during the burial ceremony of the slain soldiers, offering scholarships up to the university level for their families, providing houses, and other forms of support, speaks volumes about his commitment to recognizing and appreciating the patriotism, dedication, and sacrifice of the Nigerian armed forces.

Such gestures not only provide much-needed support to the families of the fallen soldiers but also serve as a powerful message of solidarity and appreciation to our troops currently serving in various capacities across the country.

It reaffirms their belief that their patriotism and sacrifices will not go unnoticed or unappreciated by the nation they serve.

Similarly, President Tinubu’s recent acknowledgment of the Super Eagles of Nigeria, despite coming in second at AFCON, further highlights his propensity to recognize and reward patriotism, hard work, and dedication across various sectors.

This consistent demonstration of appreciation for excellence sets a positive precedent for acknowledging and rewarding efforts in all spheres of Nigerian society.

The country’s National Merit Award Act should be amended to accommodate patriotic Nigerians who have excelled outside of the sciences, humanities, engineering, medicine, agriculture, and social sciences.

Established in 1979 by the federal government, the Nigerian National Merit Award was saddled with the responsibility of recognizing and rewarding academic and intellectual excellence.

Since its establishment, only a few Nigerians have been given national recognition, which underscores the imperative of expanding its scope to accommodate more Nigerians from all walks of life and encourage people to embrace patriotism and hard work.

However, it’s imperative to acknowledge the context within which such promises are made. Previous administrations have often made similar pledges but failed to fulfil them adequately.

The importance of redeeming such pledges cannot be overstated. It restores faith in the government’s commitment to its citizens and sets a standard for accountability and integrity in governance.

For Nigerians, there are crucial lessons from President Tinubu’s actions. Firstly, it emphasizes the importance of recognizing and appreciating the sacrifices made by individuals in service to the nation.

Secondly, it underscores the significance of holding leaders accountable for their promises and ensuring that commitments made are fulfilled in a timely and transparent manner.

President Tinubu’s gesture towards the families of the slain soldiers is a commendable act that deserves recognition and praise. It did not only provide much-needed support to those affected by tragedy but also sent a powerful message of gratitude and solidarity to our armed forces.

Moving forward, it’s essential for the government to ensure that such promises are fulfilled to uphold the trust and confidence of the Nigerian people in their leadership.

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