By Ibrahim Garba
Nigerians have been advised to look beyond race, colour or status to reclaim thier identity and pride by scaling up the use of the national flag in both public and private institutions.
This was contained in an address to members of the press by the Director General The Flag Foundation of Nigeria Mr Chris Agiri Esq in Abuja
Speaking further, the DG emphasised the need for all Nigerians to respect and institutionalize the flag as a symbol in offices, and popular places as a matter of pride and identity
” According to him ” the standard of ‘RESPECT’ we demand for the national flag, should not be misconstrued as a form of worship, as in the case of idolatry, that is bowing down to it”.
He described respect in literary terms as an “act of giving particular attention, a high or special regard, the quality or state of been esteemed, considered worthy of high regard, and to have reverence for something or somebody because of its value and importance”.
He appealed to Nigerians to see the Green White Green as a status symbol that unites because it ” embodies the totality of the nation’s ideals, hopes and aspirations, highlighting the national philosophy and foundational principles of nations”.
He emphasised the need for ” all institutions of state to take a bold step to reinvent the wheel of national progress and shared commitment to make Nigeria work”.
Nigerians, according to him ” must realize that when we raise the flag, we raise our collective identity and shared heritage above the narrow prisms of tribe, religion, language, ethnicity, culture and tradition, and it is a reminder that in the eyes of the world, we are all first and foremost Nigerians “.
The goal of the foundation however is ” to make patriotism the trademark of every Nigerian, subdue ethnic consciousness and inculcate true patriotic spirit and abiding Nationalism, he said.
The press briefing ended with every participant bearing a flag demonstrating commitment by singing the national anthem and waving the flag.
