Tinubu urges truth, responsibility as Presidency launches national patriotism campaign

By Egena Sunday Ode

President Bola Tinubu on Monday urged Nigerians to champion truth and reject the weaponisation of misinformation, calling on citizens to highlight the country’s progress, innovation, and growing climate of peace.
The President also encouraged Nigerians to live by the Citizens’ Charter of National Values, integrity, patriotism, diligence, tolerance, and excellence, describing them as essential pillars of responsible nation-building.
Speaking at the launch of the national reorientation campaign, “My Nigeria, My Responsibility,” themed “Reigniting Patriotism Through Responsible Citizenship and Leadership,” in the State House, Abuja, President Tinubu, represented by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris Malagi, said patriotism is reflected not only in public declarations, but in everyday actions such as paying taxes.
“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 said.
“Your responsibility is to live our values, to embody the Citizens’ Charter of National Values through integrity, patriotism, diligence, tolerance, and excellence in your workplace, community, and online interactions.”
President Tinubu also announced plans to establish a National Media and Information Literacy (MIL) Institute by February 2026 to equip Nigerians with tools to discern truth, resist manipulation, and engage ethically online.
“This will be your national toolkit to build a public sphere worthy of our democratic journey,” he said, stressing that patriotism “is not a spectator sport” but a shared, daily responsibility of over 200 million citizens.
Delivering the keynote address, Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Kashere, Gombe State, Prof. Umaru A. Pate, described the campaign as a civic creed aimed at promoting self-accountability, collective renewal, and a more thoughtful, action-driven patriotism.
“While we call on citizens to act, leadership must also earn public trust by demonstrating accountability, prioritizing national interest, strengthening institutions, and ensuring fairness,” he said.
Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, urged Nigerians to support government initiatives, pay their taxes, and remain law-abiding.
Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, welcomed the initiative, saying it aligns with the reforms and opportunities emerging under President Tinubu’s leadership.