• Itsekiri NextGen Project: 2023 Session 34 Report
• Topic: Nigeria’s Democracy and Patriotism
• Date: October 7, 2023
• Volunteers Present: 6
• Total Number of Attendees: 66
• Timings: 09:00 AM – 1:00 PM
• Venue: Former Caravan 4, Aja-Pessu (Pessu Town), Warri
• Resource Person: Omatsola Okpeaghayan

Summary:

In celebration of Nigeria’s independence, the session was dedicated to fostering patriotism among participants. The event aimed to educate them about the importance of patriotism, highlight notable patriotic Nigerians and instil a sense of love and devotion for their country.

Session Delivery:

The session commenced with a thanksgiving prayer, led by the coordinator, expressing gratitude for Itsekiri NextGen and Nigeria. The national anthem and the Itsekiri anthem followed this.

Emmanuel Egbe provided insights into the significance of both Independence Day and World Teachers’ Day, emphasizing the importance of educators who impart knowledge beyond what is taught in regular schools.

A participant expressed appreciation for the NextGen team’s role as educators, stating, “We have the best teachers at Itsekiri NextGen because they impart knowledge that goes beyond our regular school curriculum.”

Omatsola Okpeaghayan, the session’s facilitator, addressed the topic of patriotism. He engaged the participants by asking who loved Nigeria and received responses. He then asked about their love for Itsekiri, which garnered even more enthusiastic responses. One participant expressed their affection for Itsekiri culture and tradition.

Okpeaghayan clarified that patriotism involves feelings of love, devotion, and attachment to one’s country. He emphasized that there was no need to wait until adulthood to become a patriotic citizen; even children can exhibit patriotism.

The facilitator reminded them of various activities carried out in the Pessu community in 2022 and 2023, such as community clean-up efforts and showing appreciation to those who have served in public offices. These activities, along with standing still during the national and Itsekiri anthems, are indications of patriotism.

He introduced the participants to notable patriotic Nigerians, including Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Gen Abdulsalam Abubakar, Chief Festus Okotie-Eboh, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo Iweala, Chief Professor Grace Alele Williams, and Dora Akunyili. These figures contributed significantly to the country in various ways, from fighting for independence to advocating for transparency and accountability.

The session also highlighted the philanthropic efforts and advocacy for peace and unity of Olu of Warri Ogiame Atuwatse III CFR and Olori Atuwatse III, which earned them the title of Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR).

The session concluded by explaining the acronyms associated with the mentioned patriots to ensure that participants understood their meanings.

Volunteers for the day:

• Debi Amadedon
• Emmanuel Egbe
• Jolomi Tedeye
• Ugbeye Roselyn Bemigho
• Omatsola Okpeaghayan
• Emmanuel Fregene

Other Key Activities During the Session:

A brief discussion on World Teacher’s Day.