By Jacob Kubeka (ABUJA) –
A non-sectional voice, National Patriots Summit (NPS), is mobilizing over one million patriotic Nigerian youths for a summit fostering cohesion and birth of a new page for the country through discussion.
The National Patriots Summit 2021, slated to hold in December 2021, is being organised in commemoration of the International Volunteers Day celebrated by the United Nations, according to the team leader.
NPS team leader, Ambassador Phil Roberts, who made this known at the unveiling ceremony in Abuja yesterday, said the summit would also address current realities in Nigeria that are detrimental to the nation’s existence.
Amb Roberts, who described the NPS as a non-sectional voice, aimed at creating a sustainable platform for patriots to engage for the growth and development of the country, said the theme of this year’s summit was “The need for patriotism in Nigeria fostered via volunteerism,” with the sub-theme “Volunteerism in Nigeria: A tool to end unemployment.”
“The project is aimed at rejuvenating the patriotic spirit of all Nigerians especially the youth, thus promote patriotism which is the motherboard for volunteerism,” he explained.
Besides aiming to raise the patriotic spirit of every Nigerian, the project, which is also designed to promote volunteerism as a tool to positively engage our youths, will pitch Nigeria as our first “LOVE”, he added.
He further said: “This is intended to promote Nigeria and the need for sacrifice for our nation especially through volunteerism. It is a well-known fact that volunteerism is an act of civic participation.
“These participations directly or indirectly will improve and develop our communities as well as our self-worth through the selfless contributions of our of knowledge, skills, values, time and motivation; thus, making that difference that fosters drastic reduction in the numerous social vices that is plaguing our nation.
“The NPS summit will be a round table to discuss and resolve issues in our country and the strategies required to bring about efficiency, productivity, love for the country and rebirth a new generation of leaders.
“The need for positivity even when all seems dark and dreary is the reason for this summit. Nigerians need to be oriented on the need to be patriotic, love their neighbours as they love their selves for the good of our dear country, which will be achieved via volunteerism to serve our dear country.
“Above all, volunteering is a way of giving back to the community while also developing essential social skills and gaining valuable experiences. It is expected that for one to make a huge difference in the world around him, one has to go all the way; you will have to go above and beyond what is asked of you. What defines a good volunteer is their passion and enthusiasm to bring some kind of positive change through their work. And that is what NPS stands for.”
The organisers are hoping that the summit would help re-awaken the patriotic spirit of every Nigerian to make Nigeria first Love, Buy Nigeria, Promote Nigeria and sacrifice for Nigeria especially through volunteerism.
It will also influence and educate people and communities to participate in their own growth. It will also enhance our knowledge base and gain us a huge sense of responsibility in our communities and nation at large.
Ambassador Roberts further hopes that the summit would go a long way to promote volunteering as a driver to societal development with Nigeria and Africa in focus, just as it would encourage sustainable development and providing an integral formation with special emphasis on youths devoid of gender inequality, promote values of solidarity, responsibility, justice and peace from our commitment to our localities as well as states coexistence.
