The Founder of Go And Go (GOAGO), a kiddies platform for learning, Ms Kaka Kekong, says nurturing patriotic Nigerian children is key to nation-building.
Kekong said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos, in commemoration of Nigeria’s 63rd independence anniversary.
According to her, patriotism is one of the most potent tools that can help a country to combat bad governance and leadership.
The educationist stated that advanced countries like U.S., China, UK, Russia, among others, could boast of stable economies, top-notch infrastructure and technologies because of their very patriotic citizens.
Kekong said that all these advancements were made possible by the industrious citizens of these nations.
“In Africa, there are very few countries with patriotic citizens because those in power often prioritise personal gains over the nation’s welfare.
“In Nigeria, many have given up on the corrupt system and are unwilling to contribute their best for the nation’s growth.
“Nigeria is blessed, and I believe that by raising patriotic children over the next 30 years, Nigeria will significantly improve,” she said.
According to her, these children will love being Nigerians, believe in their country and go to great lengths to protect its image.
Kekong said: ” I recall my visit to Sri Lanka in 2014. I went to their prisons and was surprised that many associated being black and bad with Nigerians, and being black and good with South Africans.
“Surprisingly, most of the inmates were from neighboring African countries with Nigerian passports.
“Some criminals use Nigerian passports because of our notorious reputation, while also safeguarding their own country’s image,” she told NAN.
Kekong said that to help our children become more patriotic, we must teach them about Nigeria’s wealth of natural resources and how they could legally contribute to making the nation better.
The educationist said: “Children must be encouraged to learn about the country’s history, values and democratic processes to foster pride and responsibility”.
Kekong advised that we instill the importance of giving back, by involving children in volunteering activities like cleaning public spaces, helping the less privileged and participating in community events.
She said that children should also be encouraged to engage in civic activities, including voting when they come of age.
Kekong demanded that we teach our children values of respect, tolerance and inclusion, to help them understand the importance of treating everyone with kindness and fairness.
“When each family takes it upon themselves to instill these values; we can create a generation of responsible and patriotic citizens who will build a better nation,” she said.
