A patriot simply put is someone who is devoted to and is ready to defend his or her country. Patriotism is a virtue, a word widely used in social and political settings to depict a strong affection for one's country. It's easy to be 'patriotic' when you are in a position of authority or strategically placed to decide how jobs, projects or funds are allocated. This brings me to the question -Who are the true Patriots?
Our political office holders dangle their 'patriotism' in our faces. Their actions are always 'taken in the interest of the Nation'. Same goes for top civil servants, government appointees and captains of industries, especially those that enjoy Government's patronage. I am not disputing their 'patriotism' but with 'employment slots', fat paychecks and allowances, patriotism is relatively easy.
In my view, these are the true patriots:
-The soldiers sent out to fight wars whose origins they know nothing about.
-The artisans, transport workers and traders who are determined to work hard with Limited Government's support despite the allure of 'easy money' from crime.
-Students in public schools who endure numerous strikes and dilapidated structures without subscribing to vandalism.
-The unemployed and under employed graduates struggling to carve a niche for themselves in society without resorting to fraud and theft.
-The poorly paid Government workers and teachers who still believe that 'Honesty is the best policy'.
-People in positions of authority who refuse to amass ill-gotten wealth and do not subscribe to 'abuse of office'.
-Parents and guardians who have to manage meagre resources and still bring up disciplined children.
-Traditional and Religious leaders that have resisted the urge to join the bandwagon of political endorsements and 'ostentatious living' at the expense of their followers.
-Victims of terrorism and poorly implemented Government policies who still believe in Nigeria.
These are the true Patriots. There are a host of others. Feel Free to criticise and add yours. It's the era of self-made billionaires in the world. In the midst of our struggles, let's keep the fire burning and putting our brains to work. One great idea could be all you need. Knowledge RULES the world. My heart goes out those who have lost their lives in the fight to make Nigeria a better place. God bless our troops currently engaged in combat aginst terrorism. We'll get there someday.
Our political office holders dangle their 'patriotism' in our faces. Their actions are always 'taken in the interest of the Nation'. Same goes for top civil servants, government appointees and captains of industries, especially those that enjoy Government's patronage. I am not disputing their 'patriotism' but with 'employment slots', fat paychecks and allowances, patriotism is relatively easy.
In my view, these are the true patriots:
-The soldiers sent out to fight wars whose origins they know nothing about.
-The artisans, transport workers and traders who are determined to work hard with Limited Government's support despite the allure of 'easy money' from crime.
-Students in public schools who endure numerous strikes and dilapidated structures without subscribing to vandalism.
-The unemployed and under employed graduates struggling to carve a niche for themselves in society without resorting to fraud and theft.
-The poorly paid Government workers and teachers who still believe that 'Honesty is the best policy'.
-People in positions of authority who refuse to amass ill-gotten wealth and do not subscribe to 'abuse of office'.
-Parents and guardians who have to manage meagre resources and still bring up disciplined children.
-Traditional and Religious leaders that have resisted the urge to join the bandwagon of political endorsements and 'ostentatious living' at the expense of their followers.
-Victims of terrorism and poorly implemented Government policies who still believe in Nigeria.
These are the true Patriots. There are a host of others. Feel Free to criticise and add yours. It's the era of self-made billionaires in the world. In the midst of our struggles, let's keep the fire burning and putting our brains to work. One great idea could be all you need. Knowledge RULES the world. My heart goes out those who have lost their lives in the fight to make Nigeria a better place. God bless our troops currently engaged in combat aginst terrorism. We'll get there someday.
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