The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has identified patriotism as the core principle necessary for the moral reawakening and national reorientation of Nigeria.
The minister made this assertion in Abuja during a courtesy visit by Ambassador Abdullahi Omaki, the founder of the Community Peace Initiatives Network (CPIN), and his team.
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Idris affirmed the government’s commitment, stating, “The Ministry is deeply committed to fostering national unity, promoting our core values, and ensuring that Nigerians, young and old work together to build a peaceful and prosperous country.”
He commended the CPIN’s efforts to institutionalise peacebuilding and promote dialogue, noting that their work aligns with the government’s vision of strengthening Nigeria’s social fabric.
He further emphasised that patriotism, alongside mentorship and value orientation, is central to rebuilding the nation’s moral and social structure.
He also highlighted the active role of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) in promoting national values and unity, and pointed to the upcoming launch of the National Values Charter as a strategic government initiative.
The charter is designed to strengthen citizens’ commitment to ethical conduct and national development.
Omaki, a former Executive Director of the Savannah Centre for Diplomacy, was at the Ministry to announce the formation of the National Peace and Harmony Council (NPHC).
Omaki explained that the NPHC’s mission is to collaborate closely with youth groups to “close visible gaps in national unity and diversity at the grassroots level.”
The council will bring together young leaders and experienced figures from various sectors to engage in policy dialogue, peacebuilding, and civic education at the grassroots level.
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He stressed the critical need for a strong partnership between the government, civil society, and the private sector to effectively tackle systemic issues such as corruption, ethnic biases, and religious intolerance in the country.
