The National Orientation Agency has urged Nigerians to key into the Federal government programme of repositioning the country saying that for the country to overcome her numerous challenges, there must be change in perception and character of the people
The NOA Director General, Mr Lanre Issa-Onilu said this at the flag off of NOA’s National Identity Project, with a focus on Nationwide Sensitization on the National Anthem and the National Value Charter held at Abeokuta South Local government Secretariat, Ake Abeokuta, Ogun State
Represented by Mrs Sola Olowonyo Director Human Resources, Issa-Onilu said the new charter value change will allow the citizen proper use of the national symbol, and mobilisation of Nigerians to embrace new ideology towards the upliftment of the country.
Part of the strategy according to the Director General is the mandatory inclusion of the charter as part of the curricular of schools at both the basic and post basic schools.
He said the Federal government has approved the mandatory inclusion of the charter as part of the curricular of schools at both the basic and post basic schools.
The government also approved the teaching of the national values charter to be made a mandatory component of pre-resumption retreat for the federal Executive council members, the national Assembly members, the judiciary and other government appointees.
While speaking on the importance of embracing the National core values which are the necessary prerequisite for the formation of good character and an enviable lifestyle, the Director General itemized the National Core Values as Integrity, Patriotism, Discipline, Social Justice, Self Reliance, Religious Tolerance and Dignity of labour
He explained that because of Nigeria’s multilingual, multiethnic and multi-religious nature, the country, since independence, has been struggling with the issue of national identity.
He noted that though Nigeria was birthed in 1914 historically via the amalgamation of the Northern and Southern protectorates, the search for identity has been a problematic one, “due to the ever-increasing level of ethnic consciousness among Nigerians.”
“While there is nothing wrong in acknowledging the socio-cultural and religious differences of the various ethnic nationalities in the country, we must not allow such to deny us the reality that we are now a people with a common destiny. It is worthy of mention that our diversities should be a pillar of strength rather than that of weakness.
“Worrisomely, the various ethnic groups that make up Nigeria often criticise others and everything that defines them, including their culture, religion, values, and way of life, instead of optimizing these differences as sources of strength to build one of the greatest nations on earth.
“This narrative elicits some critical questions which may be begging for answers. First, what are the plausible strategies that can be adopted to correct these wrongs in the country, to create a platform that can ‘build Nigerians that will build Nigeria? Second, how do Nigerians optimize the gains in our diversities and strengths for the enthronement of Nigeria that we all can be proud of?
“There is no doubt that successive governments in Nigeria have made several efforts to provide answers to these questions. All these efforts were channelled towards building a nation characterized by positive values.”
“President Bola Tinubu’s administration has categorically stated that, “We must build Nigerians to build Nigeria,” through sensitization and reorientation campaigns.
He revealed that the Federal Executive Council to show the premium Importance it is committed to the project, has approved various programmes to ensure that the Country regains its lost glories
Part of the approval according to the Director General is the approval of September 16 to be observed as national symbols enlightenment day in the country.
Others are “Establishment of National Values Brigade in all schools both primary and secondary across the country. This will help to raise model citizens among Nigerian children as ambassadors of values. creating role models is one of the sustainability strategies of the National identity Project of the Renewed hope programme of the Present government.
“Citizenship study to be made compulsory component of our educational system from primary to secondary levels of education. further directing the Federal Ministry of Education, Nigerian Education Research Development Council and other relevant government institutions and stakeholders with NOA to develop a curriculum for citizenship education.
“The approval of the nationalisation of cartoon content in Nigeria to break the dominance of foreign cartoons in the country and to promote our values, cultures, heroes, and lifestyles. this will also encourage local cartoon content creators through various forms of government support to create jobs and develop the animation movie sub sector.
“Approved the global implementation of the campaign for national reputation management as part of the National Identity project.
“Approved the change of name from the War Against Indiscipline (WAI) brigade to Citizens Value Brigade. The WAI brigade of the NOA was established during the military era but has remained an anathema as a democratic government cannot be seen to be waging war against its citizens over indiscipline.
“Approve that Value Orientation be made compulsory component of the one year mandatory national youth Service with NOA working with NYSC to inculcate national values on fresh graduates of higher institutions of learning.
“The FEC also approved the constitution of the implementation committee for the National Identity project comprising top government officials, selected private sector players, representatives of traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations, youth and wormen groups to be co chaired by representatives of the federal government and private sector, with the NOA as secretariat.
Earlier in her welcome address, the NOA Ogun State Director, Mrs Salako Olufunke Fransisca said the aim of the programme is to re-orientate and redirect Nigerians, regardless of class, ethnicity, or religion toward the values and principles that have long been associated with our culture and have been the foundation of our institutions and society.
She said the introduction of the New National Anthem and the National Values Charter ushers in an important milestone for national pride and identity.
“This action reflects the changing ideals and aspirations of the nation. Values may be defined as accepted principles or standards of behaviour that are used to characterise individuals and societies.
“The National Values Charter is categorized into two: the Nigerian Promise (the promises made by the Nigerian State through its elected representatives) and the Citizens Code (the obligations of the citizenry to nation-building). This social contract between the Nigerian State and its people is the pivot upon which countries are built and sustained.
“In the same vein, the New National Anthem is a potent call for harmony, equity, and prosperity among Nigerians. In the opening stanza of the new anthem, a powerful sense of unity, patriotism and brotherhood in a country with more than 250 different ethnic nations is established. The cohesive identity of Nigeria is given particular attention, even as it acknowledges the wide variety of cultures and languages that comprise the nation. This unity entails more than just getting along; it also emphasizes standing together in pride and in support of our country.”
