Former Inspector General of Police, Mike Okiro, has charged Nigerians not to loose hope despite the challenges facing the nation.
Addressing newsmen at the occasion of the 4th year anniversary and unveiling ceremony of Nigeria FIRST Campaign/Honors Award and Nigeria at 63 anniversary in Abuja, Okiro urged Nigerians to believe more in the uniqueness and strength in diversity of the nation, adding, “there is hope at the end of the tunnel”.
He explained that ‘NigeriaFIRST’ Campaign is a Nigerian Federal Government registered trademark project posed to inspire a renewed kind of national patriotism where national interest would be place above any interest for the good of the nation.
He disclosed that the passion for NigeriaFIRST’ Campaign is to change Nigeria’s bad image and the negative narratives for the better.
Okiro said: “Given to the current political and economic challenges in Nigeria where many are currently loosing hope and confidence in the Nigeria project, the ‘NigeriaFIRST’ Campaign is billed to increased citizens love for God and country. Our passion here is to change Nigeria’s bad image and the negative narratives for the better.
“It is very important for all of us to stand with Nigeria FIRST to make this bold statement on our nation’s Independence Day as a solidarity to His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu and the people of Nigeria and Africa at home and in the Diaspora not too loose hope in the Nigeria Project despite the challenges.
“Furthermore, these occasions shall afford us the opportunity to specially recognize some nation builders in the Nigeria Project. This, also would be a very good time to appreciate God and People whose time, ideas, finances, resources, prayers and connections have added to the success story of the Nigeria Project and JusticeNOW International.”
Speaking further on role of the campaign, the former Inspector General of Police said, “Nigeria FIRST Foundation is an international organization committed in promoting national patriotism, social justice, good governance and the peaceful co- existence of our people. Our prime purpose is to preserve the right, freedom and the dignity of the people.
“Over the years our monthly ‘Diplomatic, Diaspora And National Strategic Stakeholders Forum’ which runs every 20th Day of the months and subsequent initiatives has greatly shaped national policies formations, citizens drive for nation building as well as Diplomatic/Foreign relations supports for our Nigerian and African citizens in the Diaspora.
“JusticeNOW International in no small measures has and is still boosting maximum confidence of Nigerians at home and in the Diaspora through our pet Project – the Nigeria FIRST Campaign.
He, however, thanked President Tinubu for his renewed hope Agenda, adding, “most assuredly in the spirit of togetherness, we can make it. God bless our Coordinator and Speaker, Vik-Morrow and everyone for their supports and solidarity in the Nigeria Project and NigeriaFIRST/ JusticeNOW International.”