NOA Launches National Identity Project, Others, Seeks Media Partnership

The National Orientation Agency, NOA, has called on media and other stakeholders to support the National Identity Project and other Ongoing National Programmes of the agency.

This call was made by the Director-General of the agency, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu during his nationwide address to Nigerians.

Mallam Issa-Onilu who was represented by the Mrs Adelaja Adeola,  Director Political Education, Civic and Values, called on media partners and other members of the press to join hands with the agency in providing the foundation for realigning national values and promoting responsible citizenship in the country.

At the Press Conference on the launch of the National Identity Project, and other Ongoing Nationwide Programmes of NOA held at the National Orientation Agency, Oyo State Directorate Head Quarters.

Read the full address of the Director-General below:

PROTOCOLS

Distinguished media partners, esteemed colleagues, and members of the press, it is a privilege to stand before you today as we discuss the pivotal role, we all play in shaping the future of our great nation.

This press conference serves not only to highlight the significant milestones we have achieved at the National Orientation Agency (NOA) but also to strengthen our collaboration with you, the media, whose contribution is essential in amplifying the voice of the nation.

NOA’S MANDATE AND RECENT ACHIEVEMENTS

In the past two weeks, NOA has made substantial progress in our mission to re-engineer the national mindset through value orientation and attitudinal change campaigns.

Int’l Peace Day: Kemi Afolayan, Oyo NOA Director Calls for Collaborative Efforts Among Stakeholders

While our 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.

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:

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

These are but a few of the important steps we are taking to institutionalize the ‘Real Nigerian Character’ across various strata of society.

THE ROLE OF THE MEDIA: PARTNERS IN PROGRESS

Now, to our esteemed media partners: your role 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 are counting on you to help us broadcast these initiatives, educate the public, and challenge them to embrace values that will promote national unity, peace, and progress.

Your platforms—whether traditional or digital—can make a difference by fostering meaningful conversations and highlighting the critical need for attitudinal change.

We urge you 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’.

INNOVATIVE METHODOLOGIES FOR NATIONAL OUTREACH

NOA has adopted modern methodologies to ensure government programmes and policies reach all segments of society.

We’ve introduced new digital tools and platforms designed to meet the demands of today’s media landscape, particularly targeting the younger generation, who make up the majority of our population.

1. CLHEEAN – NOA’s AI Voice/Chat Assistant: This innovative tool will help facilitate quick access to information on government initiatives related to crime, lawlessness, health, education, and other key issues.

2. The Explainer Newsletter and Mobiliser App: These platforms provide direct, real-time updates and engagement opportunities with the public, ensuring that accurate, meaningful information reaches all demographics.

3. Learn2Win Gamification: A fun and engaging platform that educates Nigerians about government policies through quizzes and rewards, particularly targeting youth participation.

Through these and other platforms—like our in-house television and radio studios and social media channels—we are leveraging modern communication technologies to ensure our messages resonate across Nigeria.

KEY GOVERNMENT POLICIES AND YOUR ROLE IN COMMUNICATING THEM

The current administration has put forward several policies aimed at addressing the nation’s economic and social challenges.

From the Student Loan Scheme to the Nigeria Youth Investment Fund, and from the removal of fuel subsidies to energy sector reforms, these initiatives reflect a government committed to improving the lives of Nigerians.

Your role as media partners in communicating these policies accurately and consistently cannot be overstated.

We trust that you will not only report on these programmes but also analyse them thoughtfully, providing insights and creating dialogues that help citizens understand how these policies affect them and how they can be part of the change process.

CONCLUSION: A CALL FOR COLLABORATION AND DEDICATION

As we conclude, I want to emphasize that this journey to reorient the values of our nation cannot be completed by NOA alone.

We need you—the media, civil society, educators, and citizens—to join us. Let us all take up the responsibility of promoting a culture that values discipline, responsibility, and national pride.

To the staff of NOA, I encourage you to continue your diligent work, knowing that the task ahead is significant but achievable through commitment and collaboration. 

To our media partners, we look forward to your continued support in amplifying the message of national rebirth and unity. 

Together, we can achieve the change we seek!

Present at the Press Conference are media practitioners from different media organisations and other relevant stakeholders to the NOA programmes sustainability.