By Staff Reporter
The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Hon. Sunday Dare, CON, has called on Nigerians, particularly the younger generation, to embrace patriotism, humanitarian values, integrity and responsible leadership in order to build a peaceful, united and prosperous Nigeria.
Dare made the call while delivering a distinguished lecture titled “Peace, Leadership & Nation Building” at the Faculty of Law, Northwest University, Kano, in collaboration with the International Humanitarian Law Society of Nigeria.
The event was attended by prominent personalities, academics, students and other stakeholders, including the Emir of Kano, His Royal Highness Muhammadu Sanusi II, CON.
Dare, who spoke on the challenges confronting Nigeria and the responsibility of citizens in shaping the country’s future, said the nation’s current difficulties should not be allowed to destroy hope in its future.
“Nigeria is not a lost cause. Africa is not a condemned enterprise. Sustainable peace is not a utopian fantasy,” he said, urging Nigerians to work towards building durable institutions founded on fairness, equal rights, humanitarian justice, peace and respect for human dignity.
Using the African proverb, “Any river that forgets its source eventually dries up,” the former minister said patriotism must remain the foundation of Nigeria’s national identity and pursuit of sustainable peace.
He warned against ethnic parochialism, religious intolerance, regional divisions, hate and destructive cynicism, stressing that Nigerians must recognize their shared destiny and take collective responsibility for the country’s progress.
According to him, Nigeria should be regarded as an unfinished house that requires collective effort to fix and strengthen rather than an entity to be abandoned because of its imperfections.
“When you love your country, you do not abandon her when she stumbles; you stand up, stretch forth your hands, and lift her up,” he said.
The presidential aide also advocated a new model of altruistic and humanitarian leadership, where public office is viewed primarily as a responsibility to serve and protect citizens rather than an avenue for personal entitlement.
He identified selflessness, empathy, accountability, courage and respect for human life as essential qualities of responsible leadership, noting that decisions taken by leaders directly affect ordinary citizens, including farmers, vulnerable families, displaced persons and young Nigerians seeking opportunities.
Dare devoted significant attention to the role of young Nigerians, particularly the Gen-Z generation, in determining the future of the country.
He described young Nigerians as highly educated, globally connected and technologically sophisticated, but challenged them to transform their energy and digital influence into constructive participation in governance, politics, technology, law, public service and nation-building.
He urged young people to develop professional competence, discipline and character, while calling on the older generation to provide credible mentorship and create opportunities for younger Nigerians to participate meaningfully in leadership and decision-making.
Speaking on the rule of law and humanitarian principles, Dare stressed that sustainable peace and national development cannot exist without justice and equality before the law.
He highlighted the importance of International Humanitarian Law and human rights principles in addressing security challenges, particularly the protection of civilians and vulnerable groups.
He said children, the elderly, internally displaced persons and other vulnerable citizens must remain protected during security and humanitarian crises, stressing that the dignity of human life must remain central to governance and security operations.
Dare also emphasized the critical role of the media in promoting peace and national cohesion.
Drawing from his experience in journalism, media management and public communication, he described a free, independent and responsible press as a cornerstone of democracy and national development.
He urged journalists to remain committed to truth, accuracy and professional ethics, particularly in an era of artificial intelligence, synthetic media, deepfakes and digital disinformation.
According to him, the media must use its influence to de-escalate tensions and promote national unity rather than sensationalism, hate speech and division.
He equally called on civil society organizations to remain independent and uncompromised in defending human rights, advocating for marginalized communities and promoting good governance.
As a pathway towards national renewal, Dare proposed a five-point strategic framework comprising radical institutional reform for justice; economic empowerment driven by innovation and inclusion; civic education and peace culture; an uncompromising anti-corruption ethos; and a new humanitarian social contract.
He said Nigeria must strengthen its institutions, create greater economic opportunities for young people, deepen civic education, deploy technology to improve transparency and ensure that basic needs such as clean water, quality education, healthcare and physical security are treated as fundamental responsibilities of government.
In his message to the next generation, Dare urged young Nigerians to reject the belief that Nigeria is beyond redemption and instead prepare themselves to assume greater responsibility in the country’s future.
He charged aspiring lawyers to become champions of justice and human rights, future public servants to uphold integrity and empathy, journalists to become pillars of truth and peace, and civil society advocates to remain voices for the vulnerable and voiceless.
He also called on Nigerians to rise above ethnic, religious and political divisions and work towards building a country where justice, humanitarian principles, responsible journalism and equal opportunity can thrive.
A major highlight of the event was the presentation of an Award of Excellence in Humanitarian Leadership and National Service to Chief Sunday Dare, in recognition of his contribution to humanitarian leadership, national service and the promotion of peace and responsible leadership.
The lecture ended on a strong note of optimism, with Dare declaring that Nigeria’s national destiny remains full of possibilities if citizens, particularly the younger generation, are willing to take responsibility for building the country.
“The river of our national destiny will not dry up. It will flow wider, deeper, and stronger—carried on the undiluted, patriotic, and humanitarian wings of this brilliant new generation,” he declared.
The lecture at Northwest University, Kano, therefore served as both an academic engagement and a national call for renewed patriotism, responsible leadership, humanitarian service, stronger institutions and sustainable peace.
