Nigeria is our only home, the land that cradles our dreams, our struggles, and our shared destiny. We have no other country to call ours, no alternative soil to claim as refuge when challenges arise.
This reality demands from each of us a profound sense of national consciousness and patriotism not as abstract ideals, but as a daily commitment to stand by our nation, to nurture it through thick and thin. It is a call that transcends personal convenience and urges us to see Nigeria’s fate as inextricably linked to our own, for in its strength lies our collective prosperity, and in its weakness, our uniform vulnerability.
Insecurity remains a stark national reality, one that touches every corner of our land without regard for boundaries or backgrounds. We must confront it as a unified people, rejecting the temptation to frame it through ethnic, religious, or sectional lenses, for such divisions only provide a haven for criminals to perpetuate more acts of evil.
These convenient profiles also fragment our response; it allows perpetrators to exploit our differences while we argue among ourselves. Instead, we should rally as Nigerians, pooling our resolve, resources, and vigilance to push back against this menace.
Patriotism here means recognising that the safety of one is the safety of all, and only through collective actions like reporting suspicious activities, supporting security forces, and emphasising community watch can we reclaim the peace we deserve.
The recent developments in our neighbouring countries are indeed a sobering pointer to the fragility of peace and the high stakes we face in Nigeria. Military takeovers in the region threaten not just those nations but the stability of West Africa, with risks of spillover effects that could undermine our democracy and economy. I commend the Federal Government led President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for its decisive and frank response, engaging diplomatically to restore constitutional order and avert broader instability.
Nigerians should view this intervention as what is best for our neighbour, and more as a necessary safeguard for our own sovereignty, understanding that a chain of juntas on our borders would embolden internal threats and complicate our fight against insecurity. This moment calls for sober and deep reflection: our unity is our shield, and patriotism demands we support efforts that protect the democratic space we have worked hard to preserve. We can not think otherwise, our future depends on it.
To build a truly patriotic nation, we must move beyond rhetoric and embrace practical steps that strengthen our bonds. This means governments, especially at the subnationals, investing in education that teaches civic responsibility from a young age, promoting economic policies that reduce inequalities fueling discontent, and encouraging leaders who prioritises national interest over parochial gains. Insecurity thrives where division festers, but a conscious citizenry—alert, cooperative, and committed—can starve it of oxygen. Let us draw from our history of resilience, from the amalgamation that birthed modern Nigeria to the civil war we overcame, to reaffirm that our diversity is a source of strength and respect. This is not blind loyalty but active participation in making Nigeria work for everyone.
Fellow countrymen, I am convinced that national consciousness is the antidote to our challenges, a mindset that sees every Nigerian as a stakeholder in our common future. We cannot afford to retreat into tribal silos or religious enclaves when threats like insecurity demand a united front. The government’s actions in the region remind us that proactive leadership, backed by citizens’ support, can avert disasters. We have to find a way to channel our prayers into action, our concerns into collaboration, and our love for Nigeria into deeds that heal and build.
The greatness of our great country, Nigeria, lies in our hands. Yours and mine. We must commit anew to patriotism that transcends differences, supporting one another and our institutions to build a secure and prosperous nation. The risks of disunity are too grave, the rewards of solidarity too profound, to do otherwise. We can silence the voices of division and amplify those of hope and ensure that our children inherit a Nigeria where peace reigns and opportunity go round. This is our duty, our privilege, and our path forward. Fellow countrymen, we must act now, not later.
~ Dr. Adewale Kolapo Kareem (AKK)
Oyo State APC Gubernatorial Aspirant
APC, PROGRESS!
Oyo 2027
AKK 2027
Governor 2027
AKK! Aseyori ni tiwa.
AKK!! Ajose Ajoje
AKK!!! A Task that must be done.
Thursday, December 11, 2025.
