Patriotism – SS1 Citizenship & Heritage Studies Lesson Note (Third Term)

Patriotism is the love, devotion and sense of attachment a person has for their country, shown by putting its interest first and being ready to protect it.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. Define patriotism and say who a patriot is.
2. State the importance of patriotism to a nation.
3. Describe ways of showing patriotism in everyday life.
4. List the characteristics of a patriotic citizen.
5. Distinguish between patriotism and nationalism.

What is patriotism?

Patriotism is the love, devotion and sense of attachment a person has for their country.

• More than residence: Patriotism is more than living in a country. It means loving the country and being ready to protect it.
• Joy in national success: Cheering when the Super Eagles score a goal is a simple sign of national pride.
• Hurt at insults: Feeling upset when someone speaks badly of Nigeria shows attachment to the country.
• Family comparison: A country is like a big family. You still love your family when the house is not perfect.
• Fix, do not destroy: If the roof leaks, you fix the roof. You do not burn the house down.

Who is a patriot?

A patriot is a person who puts the interest of the country first and is ready to defend it.

• Not limited to soldiers: A student, trader, farmer or teacher can be a patriot.
• Works for improvement: A patriot criticises what is wrong and also helps to put it right.

Why is patriotism important?

Patriotism is important because it unites citizens, drives national development and protects the country in times of danger.

• National unity: Patriotic people see themselves first as Nigerians, not only as Hausa, Igbo or Yoruba. This reduces tribalism and conflict.
• Development: People who love their country do not steal public money or destroy government property. They build schools, hospitals and businesses.
• Sacrifice: Patriotism makes soldiers defend the borders. It makes doctors work hard to save lives during a crisis.
• Good reputation: When Nigerians speak well of the country and behave well abroad, other nations respect it. This helps travel and trade.

What are the ways of showing patriotism?

A citizen can show patriotism in everyday life without being a soldier or a politician.

• Respecting national symbols: Stand at attention when the National Anthem is sung. Do not let the National Flag touch the ground or become ragged.
• Obeying the law: Follow traffic rules, pay taxes when you start working, and keep school rules now as a student.
• Promoting peace: Do not spread rumours or hate speech that can cause riots. Settle quarrels peacefully.
• Buying Nigerian goods: Choosing shoes made in Aba or rice grown in Kebbi helps local farmers and makers. It supports the economy.
• Protecting public property: Speak up if someone scratches a school desk or steals cables from a street light. These things belong to everyone.

What are the national symbols of Nigeria?

National symbols are official signs that represent the country and its people.

• National Flag: a green, white, green flag with two green stripes and a white stripe between them.
• Coat of Arms: the official emblem of the country.
• National Anthem: the song of the country, sung with respect and attention.
• National Pledge: the promise citizens make to be faithful, loyal and honest to Nigeria.

What are the characteristics of a patriotic citizen?

A patriotic citizen is honest, brave, hard-working and tolerant.

1. Honesty: They do not give or take bribes.
2. Bravery: They stand up for what is right, even when it is difficult.
3. Hard work: They give their best in whatever they do, knowing that their success is Nigeria’s success.
4. Tolerance: They respect other Nigerians who have different religions or languages.

What are examples of unpatriotic behaviour?

Unpatriotic behaviour is any action that harms the country or weakens its unity.

• Corruption: giving or taking bribes, or stealing public money.
• Vandalism: damaging public property such as desks, cables and street lights.
• Tribalism: treating people unfairly because of their ethnic group.
• Hate speech and rumours: words that stir up anger and violence.
• Disrespect for symbols: mocking the flag or ignoring the anthem.

What is the difference between patriotism and nationalism?

Patriotism is the everyday love and service a citizen gives to the country. Nationalism is strong devotion to one’s nation and its interests.

• Patriotism: the quiet, daily love and work that keep freedom alive and make the country better for our children.
• Nationalism: often shown through the struggle to make a country independent, as Awolowo and Zik did in the struggle for freedom from Britain.

Class activity

1. Reflection: Write down three things you like about Nigeria (for example, the food, the music, the funny way we talk).
2. The anthem challenge: In pairs, recite the second stanza of the National Anthem (“Oh God of creation…”). Discuss what the words “Help our youth the truth to know” mean to you.
3. Action plan: Name one small thing you can do in this school today to show you are a patriot (for example, picking up litter or helping a junior student).

Evaluation

1. Define patriotism.
2. State four reasons why patriotism is important to a nation.
3. Describe three ways a student can show patriotism.
4. List the four characteristics of a patriotic citizen given in the lesson.
5. Explain the difference between patriotism and nationalism.

Assignment

Choose any two ways of showing patriotism from the lesson. For each one, explain in your own words how a student can practise it at home or in school.