Prince Thomas Abi Jr.|24 September 2016
It is no news that Calabar, the Cross River State capital has the longest and tallest flag in Nigeria and indeed Africa. The flag which was hoisted by the then government of former governor Donald Duke is located at the Millennium Park just by the popular Eleven-Eleven round about, Calabar.
The flag is an emblem of the Nigerian nation. It is one that is sighted from far distances in the city of Calabar and over the years it has attracted many tourists to Cross River State just for the purpose of seeing the flag. But it is unfortunate that in recent time the flag is in tatters and shreds.
One of the importance of a national flag is that, it is the pride of the state or nation, and must not be allowed to be in shreds or on the ground.
As Nigeria celebrate her 56th anniversary as a sovereign nation, we must not allow this symbol of our heritage and pride to remain in shreds. It is important that we understand the importance of our national flag and pay due respect to the flag.
The national flag should always be promoted and projected at all times. The Nigeria flag is not a piece of cloth that should be treated without respect. Citizens must begin to pledge allegiance to our national symbol and at every given time try to promote the flag of our nation.
The flag of Nigeria speaks volume. It is an agent that brings peace and unity and reminds us that we are one big nation.
The Nigeria national flag must be flown higher than other flags.
The people of Nigeria must learn to pay loyalty to our national flag and never allow it to be faded, or roll on the ground.
It is worthy of note that the national flag situated in Calabar has the potential to bring many tourists to the state. It can generate revenue for the good people of Cross River State by way of tourists who come to the state to see the flag can contribute to generating revenue for our hotels, supermarkets and pubs.
The government of Cross River State must rise up and replace the tattered and shredded Nigeria flag located at the Millennium Park as we get set to celebrate our 56th anniversary and as independent nation.
Our loyalty at all times must remain unabated. We do not have any other country to call our own but Nigeria and so it is important that those charged with the responsibility of maintaining the flag at the millennium park in Calabar replace it because it is our pride and national symbol as a nation.
Prince Thomas Abi Jr.
Is a Public Affairs Analyst
