NPS Aim At Rejuvenating Patriotic Nigerian Youth - Phil Robert

By Aviashima Toom, Abuja

Team Leader of the 2021 National Patriot Summit NPS, Amb.Phil  Roberts has disclosed that, the project was aimed at rejuvenating the patriotic spirit of all Nigerians especially the youth.

Amb. Robert disclosed this on Tuesday during the official global Media unverling of the 2021 National Patriots Summit in Abuja said that, the project will promote patriotism which is the motherboard for volunteerism, and positively engage youths to use their skills, career and professions for Nation building.

He noted that, the development would also bring about a drastic reduction in the numerous social vices that are plaguing the polity and will increase love for our dear country.

According to him, the National Patriots Summit 2021 which is scheduled to hold on the 9th December, is in commemoration of the International Volunteers Day celebrated by the United Nations, designed to host critical stakeholders of Nigeria in Abuja, every December.

"It is also designed to be a non-political, non-religious and non-sectional voice of the various zones in Nigeria, an avenue to genuinely discuss and birth a new page for our dear country in the new year". He added.

He explained that, there has been a rise in activities that are detrimental to the purpose of the existence of the nation, which have lured youths into unpatriotic acts. A lot of these youths have also given up on the Nigeria leaders as they use unimaginable routes to escape to foreign countries in order to seek greener pastures. 

The issues of insecurity, rise in food products, utility bills, petroleum products, health care services, transportation according to him have revealed the gap between the government and the governed, which is majorly affecting the youths who constitute over 60% of the national population. 

Programs attached to the summit are Launching of its theme Song Titled; 'We Are Standing For Nigeria', an exhibition of made In Nigeria products, network/Collaboration with relevant stakeholders and organizations, finally launching and unveiling of the 1Million Volunteers Network in the 6 Geo-Political Zones, its mission, vision, and action plans.

The theme for this year's National Patriots summit is 'The Need for patriotism in Nigeria Fostered Via Volunteerism' with the sub-theme  'Volunteerism in Nigeria; A Tool to end unemployment.'

Notable nationalists would be celebrated, they includes; Zik of Africa Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe who is the founder of Nigeria Nationalism, Tafawa Balewa for his role in the continent's formative indigenous rule, Chief Obafemi Awolowo the first premiere of western Nigeria, Herbert Macaulay, for his contribution towards independence, Sir. Anthony Enahoro a national activist and the father of the Nigerian state, Hajiya Gambo Sawaba who was nationally known to speak up for gender-based equality, Alhaji Aminu Kano for standing for us despite the challenges faced in the hands of the British government.

Others are sir Taiwo Akinkummi the designer of the Nigeria national flag, Dr Chinwe Achebe The father of modern African writing, Margret Ekpo the founder of Aba Township women's association, Mrs Ameyo Adadevoh for her role in curbing the spread of ebola in 2014, Dr Dora Akuyili for her fight against fake and substandard drugs through NAFDAC in Nigeria.

"As young Nigerians, we will not also forget Stephen Keshi for his role in using football to unite this country alongside great men like Jay Jay Okocha, Kanu Nwankwo, Daniel Amokachi, Tijani Babangida, Austine Eguavoen, Rashidi Yekini, Peter Rufai, Taribo West. These legends were part of the Super Eagles squad that qualified Nigeria for her first World Cup appearance in USA 94 Super Eagles, a team that is still referred to as the Golden Generation". He said.