By Gloria Abutu
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has kicked off a nationwide sensitization campaign aimed at promoting the National Values Charter (NVC) and advocating for the proper usage of the National Anthem.
Director-General of the agency, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, during a press conference in Yola, the Adamawa state capital, said the initiative seeks to inspire value reorientation and foster a positive shift in the attitude of citizens across Nigeria.
The sensitization campaign tagged, ‘The National Identity Project’, aims to guide the daily conduct of citizens and foster a stronger sense of national unity for socio-economic and political development of the nation.
Represented by the Director of Special Duties and Operations, NOA Headquarters Abuja, Mr. David Akoji, the Director-General Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu highlighted the need to renew shared national values, which he said are essential to Nigeria’s progress.
Mr. David Akoji, Representative of the DG, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu
The National Values Charter, known as “7 for 7,” lays out specific responsibilities for both citizens and leaders, and calls upon each group to uphold core values through the Nigerian Promise and Citizens Code, with seven guiding principles for each.
The Citizens Code underscores seven essential principles of discipline, duty of care, tolerance, leadership, transparency, environmental awareness, and resilience.
The Nigerian Promise, on the other hand, emphasizes values like equality, democracy, entrepreneurship, peace, inclusivity, freedom, and meritocracy.
Cross-section of some NOA staff at the Press Conference.
In alignment with these principles, the NOA has introduced seven policies to embed these values within society.
These initiatives include nationalising cartoon animations, establishing citizen brigades, and incorporating citizenship studies into educational programs.
The Agency also plans to conduct a global reputation management campaign, include value orientation training in National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and Industrial Training Fund (ITF) programs, offer orientation programs for newly appointed government officials, as well as promotion of national symbols.
Onilu also pointed out that only the first stanza of the National Anthem should be used at formal events, reserving the last stanza as the National Prayer, while the full anthem, he explained, should be saved for high-level national functions to maintain its significance.
Acting Director, NOA Adamawa State,
Mr. Richard Bala Dangari, noted that the charter is expected to guide the behaviour of both leaders and citizens, and emphasized the crucial role of the media in supporting this campaign.
Ag Director, NOA Adamawa State, Mr. Richard Bala Dangari delivering a welcome address.
The NOA hopes that both leaders and citizens will embrace the principles of the National Values Charter in order to foster a culture of patriotism, discipline, and unity across Nigeria.
The Agency sees these values as fundamental to addressing the pressing challenges facing the nation today.
