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National Consciousness refers to the shared sense of awareness and identity that individuals have towards their country. It is also the strong feeling of love, commitment, loyalty and affection that enables a citizen to work for the growth and development of his nation.
It is a very important value every Nigerian should possess to encourage participation in civic activities such as voting, volunteering, activism and public debates. This is a very important topic, especially in recent years, where we have seen a mass exodus of Nigerians from the country, many of whom do not ever consider giving back/investing in their fatherland.
National Consciousness encourages more youths to participate in voting, volunteering, activism and public debates.
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Ways to Promote National Consciousness
Here are ten ways to promote national consciousness amongst the citizens and netizens of Nigeria:
1. Celebration of National Holidays
National holidays, such as Independence Day (1 October), Democracy Day (12 June) and Workers’ day (1 May) should be given more relevance as they provide an opportunity for Nigerians to come together and celebrate their shared value and history.
2. Teach Nigerian History.
Nigerians need to learn about their historical heritage to develop a sense of national consciousness. The study of Nigerian history in schools, museums, and cultural centres can help young people understand our past and appreciate our cultural diversity.
3. Celebrating past heroes and heroines.
Doing so will inspire Nigerians to be more conscious of the state of the country and work towards promoting unity and tolerance. The likes of Tafawa Balewa, Obafemi Awolowo and Nnamdi Azikiwe are Nigerian heroes who will inspire future generations.
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4. Encouragement of Multiculturalism
Nigeria boasts of a very verbose diversity. Promoting multiculturalism can help Nigerians appreciate and respect different cultures, religions, and traditions. For example, on Cultural Days, students are encouraged to wear native attires, eat indigenous foods and speak their dialects. Inter-tribal marriage is also one factor that promotes national consciousness.
5. Support of Local Languages
Nigeria has over 500 spoken local languages. Encouraging the use of local languages in the media and in public spaces (without disdain) is crucial to preserving Nigeria’s linguistic heritage and foster a sense of pride in local cultures.
6. Respect National Symbols
Citizens should understand the necessity of respecting our national symbols e.g saluting the National Flag, standing still with gusto and joy while the National Anthem/Pledge is recited, not spraying or sprinkling Naira notes in parties etc.
7. Encourage Sports
The Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) should be improved in terms of coverage as it provides an avenue for togetherness. Supporting local sports teams, organizing national competitions, and promoting physical activity can help promote national consciousness.
8. Supporting Nigerian Arts
Nigerian art, music, and literature can serve as powerful tools for promoting national consciousness. Encouraging the creation and dissemination of Nigerian art can help foster a sense of pride in the country’s cultural heritage.
9. Volunteerism
Volunteering for national causes, such as monthly sanitation exercise, disaster relief, or community development, can help Nigerians develop a sense of responsibility and ownership for their country. We saw the importance of this during Covid-19 combat and #EndSars protest.
10. Promote National Service
National service programs, such as the National Youth Service Corps, can provide Nigerians with an opportunity to serve their country, mix with other people of diverse backgrounds and develop a sense of national identity.
Additional Point:
Citizenship/Civic Education
Civic education can also help Nigerians understand their rights, responsibilities, and duties as citizens. This can help foster a sense of national consciousness and encourage active citizenship.
Wrap-up
We hope this article provided you valuable insights on approaches to improving national consciousness in the country. For further reading, you can check out our article on the importance of National consciousness in Nigeria.
Abdulbasit Toriola is an emerging voice in Nigerian cultural commentary and social analysis. From his corner in Lagos, he documents Nigerian history, current affairs, and explores the extraordinary journeys of Nigerians beating the odds. His works have been published on Africa Prime News and Opinion Nigeria. Connect with Abdulbasit on Twitter @blackboymusings for daily insights into Nigerian life and culture.
