From Garba Ibn Lawal
In a bid to foster a sense of national identity and instill core values among citizens, the National Orientation Agency (NOA) and the Defence Headquarters have announced a partnership agreement. The collaboration aims to impart proper values not only to civilians but also to the military.
A statement signed by Paul Odenyi, Deputy Director Press, said decision was reached following a meeting between Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, the Director General of NOA, and General Christopher Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff, held at the Defence Headquarters. During the meeting, Mallam Issa-Onilu highlighted NOA's initiatives aimed at modernizing its structures and creating accessible platforms for governmental agencies.
Recognizing the significant role of the military in shaping the nation's history, Mallam Issa-Onilu stressed the importance of collaboration in establishing institutions that promote Nigerian values. He reaffirmed NOA's commitment to ensuring that the National Value Charter (NVC) translates into tangible societal changes.
With over 70% of Nigeria's population being youths, the Director General advocated for youth-centric policies tailored to address their needs. Among the initiatives outlined by NOA are the implementation of nationalism studies across educational levels, the establishment of a Citizens' Brigade, and the integration of Nigerian values in children's cartoons.
Furthermore, discussions included upcoming training sessions for traditional rulers in peace and conflict resolution. In response, General Christopher Musa assured NOA of the full support of the Nigeria Defence, emphasizing the importance of their programs. He stressed the need for the armed forces' involvement in planning committees, drawing from their historical knowledge.
General Musa also emphasized the significance of national pride, encouraging positive narratives about Nigeria in the creative industry and the incorporation of Nigerian symbolic monuments into souvenirs. He reiterated that achieving peace requires a holistic approach, with the military playing a crucial role.
The collaboration between NOA and the Defence Headquarters reflects a concerted effort to promote patriotism and uphold Nigerian values, with both organizations committed to working together towards this goal.
