Tinubu Seeks Truth-driven National Reawakening

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called for a national reawakening rooted in truth, responsibility and civic duty, declaring that patriotism “is not a spectator sport but an active verb” that must shape the daily choices of every Nigerian.

At the official launch of the “My Nigeria, My Responsibility” campaign with the theme “Reigniting Patriotism Through Responsible Citizenship and Leadership,” at the Presidential Villa, the President urged the citizens to shun the weaponisation of misinformation and instead highlight the country’s progress, innovation and peace.

Represented by the minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris Malagi, President Tinubu said Nigerians must embody the Citizens’ Charter of National Values through integrity, patriotism, diligence, tolerance and excellence in their workplaces, communities, and online interactions.

“Your responsibility is to own our story: Be an ambassador of truth. In the digital age, do not weaponise misinformation. Highlight the progress, the innovation and the peace,” the President said.

He added that actual citizen duty extends to fulfilling civic obligations, including paying taxes, which he described as “the most concrete transaction of trust between a citizen and the state.”

The President also announced plans to launch the National Media and Information Literacy (MIL) Institute in February 2026, which will equip Nigerians with tools to identify misinformation, resist manipulation and engage ethically in the 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 noted.

Tinubu emphasised that Nigeria’s destiny rests not just with leaders in Abuja but with the collective actions of over 200 million citizens.

“True patriotism is the choice we make every day to be responsible for our nation’s story, its progress, and its image,” he said.

Delivering the keynote address, the vice chancellor of the Federal University of Kashere, Gombe State, Prof. Umaru A. Pate, described the campaign as a “civic faith” anchored on self-accountability and thoughtful action.

He said while the citizens are called to act, leaders must earn public trust by demonstrating accountability, strengthening institutions, ensuring fairness and prioritising national interest.

Also, the Deputy Senate President Senator Barau Jibrin urged Nigerians to support government initiatives, pay their taxes and embrace lawful conduct as part of their civic responsibility.

In his remarks, the convener and senior special assistant to the President on Citizenship and Leadership, Hon. Nasir Bala Aminu Ja’oji, said the initiative—developed under the Renewed Hope Agenda—seeks to reawaken a culture of responsibility, patriotism, accountability, and shared ownership of the Nigerian project.

According to him, the campaign will engage communities, students, professionals, traditional institutions, influencers, and private-sector actors across all geopolitical zones through advocacy, leadership training, public sensitisation, and digital engagement.

“This administration has consistently emphasised that true progress is anchored on responsible citizenship. The choices Nigerians make daily directly influence the Nigeria we build,” Ja’oji said.