In a bold step towards national renewal and the redefinition of patriotism, Nigerians from all walks of life and the Diaspora gathered in Lagos to inaugurate a new tribe of citizens committed to changing the narrative on Nigeria for good.
The New Tribe, a movement dedicated to personal integrity, national values, and service to Nigeria, was officially launched in Lagos, coinciding with the country’s 64th Independence Day celebrations.
The event, held on Tuesday, October 1 at Four Points by Sheraton, Victoria Island, Lagos, saw the convergence of thought leaders, professionals, and activists both in-person and virtually from across the globe.
The New Tribe is a think tank, advocacy group and private development agency initiated by a renowned political economist and public intellectual, Prof. Pat Utomi and other patriotic Nigerians, to drive moral regeneration and advance the cause of good governance.
In his opening remark, Utomi who lamented that a similar initiative he discussed years earlier with former Vice-.President Yemi Osinbajo had not been activated reflected on the movement’s journey so far, “On May 1, the portal of the New Tribe was launched with the promise that on October 1, we would be doing what we are doing today, unveiling the New Tribe. The kinetic phase since then has produced amazing action plans and strategies. For example, in the healthcare cohort, Nigerian doctors from all over the world and other healthcare professionals have come together asking not what their country can do for them but what they can do for their country.”, he remarked.
He further added, “I have been repeatedly asked why another movement? You know, Nigerians get exhausted very quickly. You see many movements, you see many activities. What is important is not to keep quiet. If we do not start another one, we may just be Somalia very soon or Sudan,” Utomi said, addressing the crowd. He went on to highlight the urgency of the moment, emphasizing the importance of speaking out and taking action to prevent further decline in the country’s fortunes.
Speaking on the underlying philosophy behind the New Tribe, Utomi stressed the importance of values in shaping human progress. “If you look at Nigeria, something is wrong, and if you do nothing about it, something is wrong with all of us,” he said, underscoring the need for Nigerians to uphold the values that can guide the nation forward. He urged the attendees to embrace a culture of personal integrity, selflessness, and service.
“The New Tribe is a movement of Nigerians committed to personal integrity, wisdom, the dignity of all, and a work ethic that is rooted in service—not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country,” Utomi declared, receiving resounding applause from the audience.
The event also featured other advocates of good governance and notable speakers including Dr Yunusa Tanko, Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Nana Sani Kazaure, former spokesperson of the Obi-Datti Campaign team, Soji Apanpa, founder and Executive Director of the Convention on Business Integrity in Nigeria, and Dr. Oby Ezekwesili and former National Planning Minister Prof. Osita Ogbu who spoke for the Values Proselytization cohort of the new tribe.
The event featured presentations from various cohorts of the New Tribe, each outlining their action plans for social impact and contributions towards national development. Dr. Chidibere Olujie , who for many years has been a Director of Mental Health services for New South Wales and cohort leader in Sydney joining virtually from Australia, spoke passionately on the role of values in leadership and the effects of stresses from state underperformance on the mental health of the population.
Representing the Infrastructure Cohort, Dr. Peter Agada rolled out ambitious plans to deploy a comprehensive infrastructure framework across all geopolitical zones of Nigeria. The strategy, according to Agada, aims to create equitable development and improved access to essential services. In the same vein.
The Health Credit cohort which had significantly advanced implementation of some of his plans was represented by Dr. Abiodun Olatidoye, an Atlanta based Cardiologist, Emergency Room physician Dr Aduda and Dr Iheanacho Emeruwa in California. The Cohort shared action plans that will see Nigerian doctors across the globe collaborate to improve the country’s healthcare system and presented an EMS system they plan to collaborate with state governments to implement.
One of the major highlights of the event was the unveiling of the New Tribe’s official logo, symbolizing the birth of the movement and its dedication to building a better Nigeria. This symbolic gesture marked the formal introduction of the New Tribe to the Nigerian public and the world at large.
Another significant milestone was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Emergency Medical Services (EMS) between the TNT Health Cohort and the state governments of Nasarawa, Oyo, and Abia. This partnership aims to enhance emergency medical response systems across the three states, bringing together Nigerian healthcare professionals at home and abroad to address critical gaps in the healthcare system.