Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, the Director- General of the National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA), says Nigerians must adopt timeless values of patriotism and proactivity to propel the country forward.
Mustapha, who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Abuja, said that patriotism and the ability to remain proactive during challenging times were core values needed in contemporary Nigeria.
He said that nation building required shared responsibility instead of constantly lamenting and apportioning blames that often promoted stagnation.
The director-general, who called for patience to enable President Bola Tinubu to build a strong foundation for the nation, advised that all hands should also be on deck.
He said only a collaborative approach would help government address the country’s challenges.
Mustapha disclosed that the NBRDA was doing its part as a research and development agency while other agencies and parastatals of government were also doing their work to move Nigeria forward.
He said though Nigerians craved to see instant changes and turnaround in all sectors of the economy, immediate change was like a bubble that immediately fizzled away.
“When you build a solid foundation, it will last forever depending on how you build it; what I see, to be honest with you, from the bottom of my heart, is a foundation that is being built.
“We need to support the government; forget about politics and forget about agitations and shouting.
“Although these are normal because those that come to lead will hear those criticisms.
“To criticise is normal; but as Nigerians, we must be patriotic and ready to support the government and push for positive changes by doing our part.’’
The NBRDA’s boss expressed optimism that if Nigerians played their part to complement government’s efforts, the nation would move forward in a way that nobody expected.
He said Nigeria was indeed the giant of Africa, with well educated, wise and intelligent people widely respected outside the shores of the country.
He added that as the most populous black nation with limitless potentials, sustaining the democratic setting would certainly build more political will on the part of leaders to do great things.
“Patriotism and ability to be proactive will enable us to change our attitude and empower us to speak good about our country.
“Supporting the government by doing our part, even as little as coming to work and doing our daily routine schedules, will work wonders,’’ Mustapha said.