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From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu at the official launch of the “My Nigeria, My Responsibility” campaign themed “Reigniting Patriotism through Responsible Citizenship and Leadership,” renewed the call for national unity and responsible citizenship.
Represented by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, on Monday, he emphasised the crucial role patriotic citizens play in nation-building, appealing to Nigerians to act as ambassadors of truth by refusing to weaponise misinformation. He encouraged citizens to actively highlight the nation’s progress, innovations, and peace-building efforts.
According President Tinubu, “Your responsibility is to own our story: Be an ambassador of truth. In the digital age, do not weaponize misinformation. Highlight the progress, the innovation, the peace.” He further called on Nigerians to personify the Citizens’ Charter of National Values, living daily with integrity, patriotism, diligence, tolerance, and excellence.
The campaign, he said underscores a vision where patriotism transcends mere rhetoric, noting, “Patriotism is not a spectator sport or a title we claim only when our nation triumphs. True patriotism is an active verb. It is the choice we make every day to be responsible for our nation’s story, its progress, and its image. It is the shared understanding that the destiny of Nigeria does not rest in the hands of a select few in Abuja, but in the daily actions, words, and choices of over 200 million citizens.”
Highlighting plans to empower Nigerians further, President Tinubu announced the forthcoming launch of a National Media and Information Literacy (MIL) Institute in February 2026. This initiative aims to equip citizens with the necessary tools to discern truth, resist manipulation, and engage responsibly in the increasingly digital public sphere.
“This will be your national toolkit to discern truth, resist manipulation, and engage ethically online, building a public sphere worthy of our democratic journey,” he said.
The keynote speaker, Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Kashere, Umaru Pate, described the campaign as more than a slogan; it is a civic commitment demanding self-accountability and collective renewal. He urged not only citizens but also leaders to foster trust through transparency and national interest prioritization.
“While we call on citizens to act, leadership is also reminded to earn the trust of the citizens by demonstrating accountability, prioritizing national interest over personal interest, ensuring fairness in resource allocation, strengthening institutions, and providing opportunities for the youth,” Pate remarked.
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Supporting the campaign, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin called for Nigerians to back government initiatives, pay taxes diligently, and be law-abiding to fortify national development.
The driving force behind the campaign, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Citizenship and Leadership, Nasir Ja’oji, explained that “My Nigeria, My Responsibility” is a flagship citizens’ engagement effort under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. It recognises that nation-building is a collective obligation, not solely the government’s duty.
Ja’oji elaborated, “This administration has consistently emphasized that true progress is anchored on responsible citizenship.
Citizens who participate meaningfully in governance, protect public infrastructure, uphold national values, and contribute positively to peacebuilding, community development, and national unity.”
He outlined the campaign’s broad engagement plan targeting communities, students, professionals, traditional institutions, influencers, and private sector players across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. Through various platforms such as advocacy, leadership training, digital engagement, and public sensitization, the initiative seeks to cultivate a culture of impactful citizenship.
“This campaign will engage communities, students, professionals, traditional institutions, influencers, and private sector actors across all six geopolitical zones… every Nigerian understands that the choices they make daily, how they speak about the country, how they treat public property, how they vote, how they lead, and how they contribute directly influence the Nigeria we build,” Ja’oji stated.
While expressing gratitude to the President, he praised the administration for empowering youth, strengthening institutions, and rekindling a national identity grounded in pride and purpose.
Other notable personalities present were, including Deputy Senate President Barau Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Ibrahim Sulieman, Minister of State for FCT, Mariya Mahmoud, former Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, National Assembly members, traditional leaders, diplomats, NYSC participants, students, and other dignitaries.
