Abiodun Oshinibosi, convener of Prosperous Naija I See, has urged Nigerians to adopt a new mindset of constructive patriotism. He made this call at an event held on the eve of Nigeria's 66th Independence anniversary. Oshinibosi emphasized the need for citizens to acknowledge measurable national progress while remaining committed to addressing the country's economic and social challenges. This, he believes, will help Nigerians develop a sense of collective responsibility towards the country's development.
According to Oshinibosi, Nigeria's development should be viewed as a house still under construction, requiring continuous investment, maintenance, innovation, and collective responsibility. He stressed that the central message of the initiative is that what Nigerians consistently see influences what they eventually become. However, he noted that optimism must be matched by responsibility and action. This approach, he believes, will help Nigerians work together towards a common goal.
Oshinibosi acknowledged recent economic reforms and improvements in selected macroeconomic indicators. He cited Nigeria's reported 4.43 per cent real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth in the second quarter of 2026, compared with 3.89 per cent in the first quarter. Additionally, he mentioned the moderation of headline inflation to 15.39 per cent in August. However, he noted that food inflation remained significantly higher.
The convener also referenced the strengthening of Nigeria's foreign-exchange reserves and the country's removal from the Financial Action Task Force's increased-monitoring list in October 2025. Despite these achievements, Oshinibosi cautioned that economic indicators alone cannot constitute the destination of national development. He emphasized that GDP growth must translate into tangible improvements in the lives of Nigerians.
Oshinibosi identified food affordability, security, employment, infrastructure, healthcare, and education as areas requiring continued attention. He stressed that economic growth must enter people's homes and that GDP growth must become jobs. Improved reserves must support stability, and lower inflation must eventually be felt in the marketplace.
The event, which was attended by business leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs, young Nigerians, media executives, and other stakeholders, aimed to promote a new mindset of constructive patriotism. Oshinibosi's call for collective responsibility and action resonated with the attendees, who acknowledged the need for Nigerians to work together towards national progress.
As Nigeria continues to navigate its economic and social challenges, Oshinibosi's message of constructive patriotism serves as a reminder of the need for collective action. His initiative, Prosperous Naija I See, aims to promote a new mindset of patriotism and responsibility among Nigerians. By working together, Nigerians can address the country's challenges and achieve national progress.
Key points
- Abiodun Oshinibosi calls for Nigerians to adopt a new mindset of constructive patriotism.
- Nigeria has reported recent economic reforms and improvements in selected macroeconomic indicators.
- Oshinibosi identifies food affordability, security, employment, infrastructure, healthcare, and education as areas requiring continued attention.
