By Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja
Former Inspector General of Police, Dr
Mike Okiro, rtd, has appealed to Nigerians not to lose hope despite the current political and economic challenges in Nigeria.
Okiro, who is also the Board Chairman of JusticeNOW International, popularly referred to as Nigeria FIRST Foundation, made the appeal on Sunday in Abuja on the occasion of the 4th Year Anniversary and Unveiling Ceremony of Nigeria FIRST Campaign/Honors Award and Nigeria @ 63 anniversary.
The former IGP equally harped on the need for Nigerians to believe more in nation’s uniqueness and strength in diversity, adding “There is hope at the end of the tunnel”.
According to him, “Given the current political and economic challenges in Nigeria, where many are currently loosing hope and confidence in the Nigeria project, the ‘NigeriaFIRST’ Campaign is billed to increase citizens’ love for God and country.
“Our passion here is to change Nigeria’s bad image and the negative narratives for the better.
‘It is very important for all of us to stand with Nigeria FIRST to make this bold statement on our Nation’s Independence Day as a solidarity to His Excellency President Bola Tinubu and the People of Nigeria and Africa at home and in the Diaspora not too loose hope in the Nigeria Project despite the challenges.
“These occasions shall afford us the opportunity to specially appreciate some nation builders in the Nigeria Project.
“This, also would be a very good time to appreciate God and people whose time, ideas, finances, resources, prayers and connections have added to the success story of the Nigeria Project and JusticeNOW International.
“Dear fellow compatriots, our decision for this National Patriotism campaign is strategically to encourage a renewed love for God and country. We cannot afford to continue this way.
“Lets believe more in our uniqueness and strength in diversity. There is hope at the end of the tunnel”, he assured.
The Nigeria FIRST Foundation, Okiro explained, is an International Organization committed in promoting National Patriotism, Social Justice, Good Governance and the Peaceful Co- existence of the People.
According to him, “Our prime purpose is to preserve the rights freedom and dignity of the People”.
Continuing, the former IG of Police said, “In the light of increasing International and National solidarity, we wish to formally unveil our pet project the Nigeria FIRST Campaign.
“The objective here is to use the occasion of our nation’s anniversary to inspire an uncommon nationalism and patriotism in Nigeria going forward.
“This development is very timely and inspiring especially when military coups are currently trending on our African continent”, he stated further.
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