The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has reaffirmed its commitment to the reset of mindset through value orientation and attitudinal change campaigns.
The agency, therefore, solicited the support of the various media organisations to achieve the set goals
The Director General of the Agency, Malam Isa Onilu at a press conference on the National Identity Project in Ibadan disclosed that the Agency has made substantial progress in its mission to re-engineer the national mindset through value orientation and attitudinal change campaigns.
The DG, who is soliciting the assistance of the media in its bid to achieve its set agenda submitted that while slogans have been useful in creating awareness and setting the tone for national discourse, it is important to recognize that slogans alone, though pleasing and memorable, cannot bring about the deep-seated transformation that our country truly needs.
According to him, “True and lasting change requires sustained action, collaboration, and a collective commitment to realizing these ideals.
“Our agency’s founding act empowers us to go beyond simply informing the public; it charges us with promoting democracy, peace, orderliness, and moral conduct while actively mobilizing citizens’ support for government policies and programmes.
“I am proud to share that, working closely with the Ministry of Information and National Orientation, NOA recently presented a series of proposals to the Federal Executive Council (FEC), all of which have been approved.
“These initiatives will provide the foundation for realigning national values and promoting responsible citizenship. Allow me to touch briefly on some of the key elements approved:
“Restoration of National Symbols: We are revitalizing the dignity of our national symbols, such as the flag, anthem, and pledge. A day has been designated—September 16th—to serve as a National Symbols Enlightenment Day, reinforcing the importance of these symbols in building national pride.
“National Values Charter and Curriculum: The approval of a National Values Charter to be integrated into the school curriculum, from basic to post-basic levels, will ensure the younger generation grows up with a strong foundation in core national values.
“Citizens Value Brigade: Replacing the War Against Indiscipline (WAI) Brigade with the Citizens Value Brigade to better align with democratic principles while still promoting discipline and moral responsibility.”
On the need for active participation of the media, the DG said, “The role of the media is invaluable in disseminating these messages and helping us achieve the depth of impact required to transform attitudes and behaviours.
“The media remains the most powerful tool for reaching every Nigerian home, school, workplace, and community. You shape narratives, you mould perceptions, and you are the bridge between the government and the people.
“We urge the media to hold us accountable, to ask the tough questions, and to keep these programmes in the public discourse. But beyond that, we ask that you partner with us in actively driving these changes, understanding that a better Nigeria benefits us all.