Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has expressed unwavering confidence in President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms, asserting that they have set Nigeria on the path to prosperity. Speaking at the unveiling of a book titled “In Brotherhood We Stand: The Nigerian National Anthem Beyond Melody,” Akume, represented by his aide, Prof. Babatunde Bernard, emphasized the book’s potential to foster unity and nation-building. He highlighted the government’s dedication to inclusivity, citing the appointment of an indigene of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as a minister as a testament to this commitment. Akume assured Nigerians, particularly the youth, of the nation’s positive trajectory under Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, promising a collaborative approach to ensure citizens feel valued and confident in the country’s future.
The book launch, which drew prominent figures, also served as a platform to applaud President Tinubu’s decision to reinstate the old national anthem. Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, represented by Dr. Adebayo Adepoju, lauded the move as a powerful symbol of civic responsibility and national unity. He acknowledged the prevailing agitations in various parts of the country, stressing the collective duty to uphold Nigeria’s unity and progress. Abbas emphasized the need to counter negative narratives about Nigeria by showcasing the country’s achievements and the brilliance of its citizens in diverse fields. He championed the reintroduction of history as a core subject in schools to instill patriotism and an understanding of the nation’s heritage, a move fully supported by the House of Representatives.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, represented by former FCT Minister, Dr. Aliyu Modibbo, echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the anthem’s message of unity, justice, and service, values he believes President Tinubu embodies. He underscored the importance of deliberate social engineering through a defined value system to shape a nation’s identity and vision, seeing the reinstated anthem as a reaffirmation of Nigeria’s guiding ideals. This resonated with the remarks of First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, represented by Hajia Fatima Abbas, who viewed the anthem not merely as a song but as a powerful reflection of Nigeria’s history, struggles, and aspirations.
The author of the book, Osere Daniel, explained his motivation stemmed from a desire to instill the essence of the anthem in the consciousness of Nigerians, inspiring them towards responsible citizenship and a shared sense of purpose. He highlighted the importance of collective responsibility, arguing that challenges faced in any part of the country should be considered a shared burden, regardless of regional or ethnic differences. Daniel urged a unified approach to address these challenges to prevent escalation and foster a sense of interconnectedness and shared destiny, epitomized by the phrase “in brotherhood, we stand.”
The event, marked by strong expressions of faith in the current administration and a renewed focus on national unity, signifies a concerted effort to galvanize Nigerians around shared values and a common purpose. The reinstatement of the old national anthem serves as a symbolic gesture, intended to evoke a stronger sense of patriotism and collective responsibility, particularly in the face of national challenges. The emphasis on history education and the government’s commitment to inclusivity further underscore the theme of building a stronger, more unified nation.
The convergence of these messages from high-ranking officials, coupled with the author’s vision for his book, paints a picture of a nation striving to overcome its challenges and forge a path toward a brighter future. The emphasis on unity, shared responsibility, and a renewed appreciation for the country’s heritage suggests a collective desire to build a more cohesive and prosperous Nigeria. The renewed focus on the national anthem symbolizes a return to core values and serves as a rallying cry for citizens to embrace their shared identity and work together towards a common goal.
