Being patriotic or loyal to Nigeria is a commitment all unwavering and obedient Nigerians must abide by. Promoting and defending Nigeria’s name/integrity in whatever capacity – politics, education, sports, entertainment or any profession – is a task that must be done by all Nigerians.

Prior to this present age, Nigerians complied with the rules and regulations scrupulously and thoroughly until now when today’s generation, widely known as Gen Z, care less about Nigeria or whatever associates with the country.

In times past, patriotic Nigerians knew, without being told or commanded, that it was their obligation to stand at attention – irrespective of where they found themselves – whenever the national anthem was being sung. Public property and national monuments were guarded and protected by Nigerians against vandalism. War against indiscipline was jointly fought by almost all Nigerians years back. Majority of Nigerians, apart from the few, were sincere in paying taxes for the development of the country was their concern. But it’s unfortunate that the faithfulness to Nigeria is hardly found among the youths In this day and age.

Why do this day’s youths think it unnecessary to put their lives on the line to defend their county unlike those in the past who did not only defend the country, but also stuck their neck out to lay their lives for Nigeria? The reason is not far-fetched. The inhuman treatments most of those who, in bygone days, had served Nigeria diligently get at their old age, during the time that their energies have already been exhausted, may be one of the reasons today’s youths place their personal interests above country’s agenda.

In fairness to many Nigerians who have lost interest in upholding Nigeria’s honour and glory, it’s unlikely to have dedicated nationals in a society where merit is scarcely rewarded. It’s few and far between to have devoted countrymen in a society where reality show on television – the show scholars tag as a ‘display of immortality’ – is more rewarding than defending Nigeria’s unity. How do we expect to have dedicated Nigerians in a country where the winners – most of who could barely recite national anthem – of reality show were the ones rewarded with millions of naira and brand new SUV cars while those who had served the country with their sweat and blood were abandoned and live in abject poverty, most especially in their old age?

The case of Peter Fregene, a former Green Eagles goalkeeper, who passed away few days ago, is a perfect example of the unkind and inhuman treatments some dedicated Nigerians get from the country of their birth after long years of service to the same country. Undoubtedly, nobody expected a man of Fregene’s calibre to be in the unfavourable condition the ex-Green Eagles star found himself at the last stage of his life but unluckily, this is what many experience almost every day.

Death is, of course, inevitable and it visits anyone anytime irrespective of one’s age. But one thing no one prays to happen to him is to go through pain before death knocks on the door. It’s disheartening to witness the way the ex-goalkeeper, Fregene, underwent agony while he was confined to bed before he gave up the ghost. Though help eventually came after many supplications, it was too late to rescue him. Had there been quick intervention, perhaps Fregene would have lived.

Peter Fregene is gone and there is nothing anyone can do to bring him back to life. But I believe there are lots the government can do to guard against similar occurrences in the future if the country still expects patriotism and loyalty from Nigerians.

Instead of waiting to seek financial assistance for our athletes, educationists, artistes and others, the government can set up a simple welfare scheme for active and retired shining examples to take good care of them during the time that they need the country most. With that, today’s youths will be encouraged to use their talents for the upliftment of Nigeria when they’re sure the country will not abandon them in time of need.