By Victor Ahiuma-Young, ABUJA

Working People United, WoPU, has launched a national civic engagement and patriotism campaign tagged “Responsible Citizen,” urging Nigerians to embrace responsible citizenship and refrain from actions and comments that portray the country negatively.

The campaign was unveiled on Thursday at the Good Governance Summit held at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja, by the National Coordinator General of WoPU, Williams Akporeha, who described the initiative as a collective call to action aimed at promoting national unity, integrity, peace and active citizen participation in nation-building.

According to him, the campaign is founded on the belief that the development and progress of Nigeria cannot be left to government alone but require the active involvement and commitment of all citizens regardless of their social, economic or professional backgrounds.

Speaking at the unveiling, Williams said: “This initiative is born out of our unwavering belief that nation-building is not the sole responsibility of government alone, but a collective duty shared by every citizen. A responsible citizen is one who obeys the law, contributes positively to society, respects the rights of others, promotes peace, and actively participates in the development of the nation.

“At a time when the world faces numerous social and security challenges, the need for responsible citizenship as Nigerians has become more necessary and urgent than ever. Every responsible citizen is required to speak positively about his or her country at all times. The progress of any nation is determined not only by the quality of its leaders but also by the character, discipline and commitment of its citizens.

“Badmouthing and de-marketing of one’s country by citizens in all spheres of life has serious negative implications and consequences and must be avoided by all responsible citizens.”

The WoPU leader explained that the “Responsible Citizen” tag is intended to encourage Nigerians to move beyond demanding good governance and begin to demonstrate good citizenship and responsible followership.

“The ‘Responsible Citizen’ tag serves as a call to action. It reminds every Nigerian worker, professional, artisan, entrepreneur, student and community leader that our actions matter and the integrity of our country is important. We must move from merely demanding good governance to also demonstrating good citizenship and good followership,” he stated.

He further argued that responsible citizenship would strengthen communities, improve institutional accountability and make governments more responsive to the needs of the people.

“Working People United believes that when citizens become responsible, communities become stronger, institutions become more accountable and governments become more responsive. Through this campaign, we seek to inspire a new generation of Nigerians who will uphold integrity, embrace civic duties, promote national unity and contribute meaningfully to the development of our great nation.”
Calling on Nigerians to embrace the campaign, Williams urged citizens to wear the badge of responsibility with pride and become ambassadors of honesty, patriotism, hard work, tolerance and service to humanity.

He said: “Together, compatriots, we can build a society where rights are balanced by being our brothers’ keeper and where every citizen contributes to creating a better future for generations yet unborn by being proud and responsible citizens committed to a united and progressive Nigeria.”

He thereafter officially unveiled the “Responsible Citizen” tag on behalf of Working People United, describing it as a collective commitment to building a more peaceful, productive and prosperous Nigeria. Be Responsible. Be Patriotic. Be the Change,” he declared.