The National Orientation Agency, (NOA), yesterday kicked off a two weeks nationwide civic engagement drive across the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory, and across all 774 local government areas of the country on programmes and policies of the Federal Government.
Director General, NOA, Lanre Issa-Onilu, while addressing newsmen in Lagos at the Agency’s Lagos office said that the initiative is not just another campaign, that it is a coordinated national awakening that touches the very heart of the nation’s identity, safety, values and development.
Issa-Onilu who was represented by Segun Alao, Deputy Director, Environment Climate and Energies Department, NOA headquarters noted that the Agency, in line with its constitutional mandate, is rolling out five thematic campaigns designed to address some of the most pressing issues in the communities.
The five thematic campaigns according to him include National Enlightenment on Government Policies, Programme and activities. He said that the Agency will bring accurate, accessible information on key government initiatives from the students loan scheme to infrastructure, social investment, and job-creation to the doorsteps of every Nigerian.
He noted that with NiMet projects showing high flood risks in 27 states, the Agency is mobilising communities to act now, clear drains, relocate when advised and comply with early warnings, stressing that preparedness is cheaper than recovery.
On national security awareness, the DG said that security is everybody’s business, that through community dialogues, media engagement, and grassroots outreach, the Agency will promote vigilance, encourage timely reporting, and build trust between citizens and security agencies.
On the fourth thematic campaign, which is National values reorientation for students against extreme sign out practices, he pointed out that graduation should be a moment of pride, not danger.
“We are working with schools, parents, and student leaders to promote safe, value based celebrations that uphold discipline, dignity and patriotism.
On the Nigerian identity project and national symbols campaign, he said, “Our flag, our anthem and our pledge unite us beyond tribe or tongue. We will revive respect for our national symbols, integrate civic education in schools, and inspire pride in our shared heritage”.
He thereby called on all Nigerians to join hands with the Agency to make the campaign a success. He also called on all to make the two weeks to ignite a new spirit of patriotism, vigilance, unit and responsibility that will carry the nation into a safer, stronger, and more united Nigeria.
Also, the Lagos State Director of NOA, Dr. Mustafa Adedeji Tukur, while speaking, stated that the Agency will be engaging the public to further understand the policies of the government. He added that the campaign will be done simultaneously in all the local government areas in the state.
