Former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has urged Nigerians to look beyond flowers and sweet messages this Valentine’s Day and instead channel their affection into service, sacrifice and renewed commitment to the nation.
Valentine’s Day, celebrated annually on February 14, is traditionally associated with romance and gift-giving. However, Obi said the spirit of the day should extend beyond personal relationships to national responsibility.
In a message titled “Nigeria Needs Our Love in Action” shared on his 𝕏 page on Saturday, the former Anambra State governor wrote, “Love is not just emotion; it is sacrifice, discipline, and commitment to what is right, honesty, compassion, respect, and devotion to the common good.”
He called on Nigerians, particularly the youth, to reflect on their role in shaping the country’s future, stressing that patriotism must go beyond slogans and be reflected in everyday civic responsibility.
“Like a living being, a country flourishes when nurtured with care and dedication. Loving Nigeria means promoting fair elections, rejecting vices like corruption, greed, division, and mediocrity, and supporting only those with capacity, commitment, and character,” Obi stated.
According to him, genuine love for the country includes the courage to highlight shortcomings and propose workable solutions rather than remain silent in the face of wrongdoing.
“It also means pointing out faults and proposing solutions, while promoting human and developmental values, justice, competence, transparency, and investment in education and healthcare. Where corruption destroys opportunity, integrity restores it; where division breeds conflict, unity fosters progress,” he added.
Obi said extending the spirit of Valentine’s Day into public life would strengthen families, build cohesive communities and promote accountable governance.
“On this Valentine’s Day, let us embrace love that strengthens families, communities, and our nation. A new Nigeria is possible when love becomes action,” he said.
He concluded with a message to Nigerians: “Happy Valentine’s Day to you all.”
