Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu has directed a mandatory recitation of the national pledge at all official and public events in the country.

This is to ensure “absolute respect for the national symbols, strengthen allegiance and fidelity to country, and to preserve Nigeria’s ethos and defining character,” presidential spokesman Ajuri Ngelale said in a statement on Thursday.

The president stressed the need to respect national values, promote the nation’s ideals, and abide by its established norms.

“Everyone of us loves victory. We love to win. When you are positive and you are hopeful, Nigeria is winning,” the statement added.

The national pledge, which Mr Tinubu said should be recited after the national anthem, calls on all Nigerians to be faithful and loyal to their country. It is one of the country’s national symbols.

The directive comes as the country battles rising communal clashes between herders and local farming communities in a conflict over resources.