A Non -non-governmental Organization the Flag Foundation of Nigeria said on Friday that is embarking on a year-long National Flag awareness campaign to re-awake Nigeria’s consciousness and patriotism in the country.
It the project has become very necessary in view of the almost total lack of national enthusiasm in citizens, and essentially to overcome the country’s numerous challenges, it said.
The Director General and Chief Executive Officer, Flag Foundation of Nigeria, Barr. Christ Agiri disclosed this in Abuja during a pre-launch press conference for the planned 12-month intensive and mass National Flag Awareness Campaign.
He said the Flag Foundation of Nigeria in Partnership with the Political and Economic Affairs Office, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) would in October launch the National Flag Awareness Campaign.
According to him, “the campaign will involve the participation of the three tiers of governments, federal, state and the 774 local government level including the three arms of government, religious and traditional institutions, schools at all levels, CBO’s, CSO’s, NGO’s, friends of Nigeria, the Diaspora community, Political Parties as well as, the organized private sector.”
It will also involve the participation of Trade Unions, Professional Bodies and institutions, Market Men and women Associations, Town Union & development Associations, etc., he said, adding that “the first leg will run from October 2023 to October 2024. This is to ensure proper re-awakening of national consciousness in all Nigerians.”
The National Flag Awareness Programme is designed to;
Physically demonstrate the spirit of patriotism by proudly displaying their National flag.
“To use the National Flag as a medium of communication to reach out to all Nigeria citizens, mobilizing, galvanizing, sensitizing, all and sundry to contribute their best in whatever capacity, collaborating, supporting and cooperating with government at all levels to move Nigeria forward.”
This program’s main thrust is to positively engage Nigerians to come alive with their duties, responsibilities & obligations to the Nation, he said adding that this includes asking government questions and demanding answers, holding the government accountable as part of their patriotic duties in accordance with the Constitution.
We would also demand that the government be honest with the people as they join hands to ensure that the government of the day succeeds in its efforts to turn things around for the greater majority of Nigeria.
The Flag Awareness campaign would be taken to schools, traditional institutions, religious institutions, market squares, and corporate organizations as “we draw awareness to the importance of our national flag; what it is, how it should be hoisted/handled, and the significance of having a national flag in your car, home or office.”
Agiri said that a year-long National Flag awareness campaign will kick start in the First week of October 2023.