Niger, Oct. 17, 2024 (TheGavel) – The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has called on Nigerians to embrace values that foster national unity, integrity, and respect for the country’s symbols, emphasizing the importance of a collective commitment to nation-building.
The Director-General of NOA, Mr. Lanre Isa-Onilu, made this appeal during a stakeholder engagement on the National Values Charter (NVC) held on Thursday in Minna. He was represented by the Deputy Director of Health and Social Care, Mr. Simon Idoko.
Isa-Onilu explained that the National Values Charter serves as a social contract between the Nigerian state and its citizens. He stressed the importance of educating citizens on the national values and symbols, which include the national anthem, flag, and coat of arms, as they are critical components of Nigeria’s identity.
“Over the years, various administrations have implemented national reorientation campaigns such as Nigeria: Good People, Great Nation, Do the Right Thing, and Change Begins with Me. While commendable, these campaigns did not achieve the desired results due to divisions based on ethnicity, religion, and other factors,” Isa-Onilu stated.
He continued by highlighting that these divisions have hindered national progress and stressed the need for a united national identity that transcends social class, religion, and ethnicity.
“Values are universally recognized as the beliefs and ideologies that guide individuals or nations toward achieving their goals. Without the right values, no nation can move forward. Although time and circumstances may change, universal values like love, integrity, and respect remain constant,” Isa-Onilu added.
The NOA Director-General emphasized the need to return to core Nigerian values and urged citizens and leaders alike to promote a culture of national pride and patriotism. He explained that the National Values Charter consists of two main components: the Nigerian Promise and the Citizen Code.
The Nigerian Promise outlines seven core commitments from the government to its citizens: equality, democracy, entrepreneurship and employment, peace and security, inclusivity, freedom and justice, and meritocracy. These commitments, Isa-Onilu said, are obligations the government must fulfill, irrespective of political affiliation.
The Citizen Code, on the other hand, represents the core values and responsibilities expected of every Nigerian. These include discipline, care, tolerance, respect, leadership, transparency, environmental awareness, and resilience. Isa-Onilu called on citizens to uphold these values in their daily interactions.
“We must respect our national symbols, including the national anthem, currency, flag, and coat of arms, as they represent our unity and foster national pride,” he remarked.
The NOA Director-General concluded by stressing that if both the government and citizens adhere to these commitments and values, Nigeria would be on the path to lasting peace, security, and prosperity.
Isa-Onilu also encouraged Nigerians to maintain their faith in the ongoing reforms being implemented by the current administration, assuring that the nation will soon benefit from these efforts.
In his remarks, the NOA Director for Niger State, Malam Yahaya Gbongbo, emphasized the importance of the campaign in rekindling the spirit of unity and patriotism among Nigerians. “We must build Nigerians to build Nigeria. This campaign is aimed at renewing our national commitment,” Gbongbo stated.
The NOA urged stakeholders to integrate the principles of the National Values Charter into their organizational cultures and to embrace the spirit of unity that the national anthem represents.(NAN)
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