By Charles Ayodele
In changing the negative perceptions about the country and build a better Nigeria, the National Orientation Agency, NOA, has launched the National Identity Project, tagged ” 7 for 7″.
The Director-General of the Agency, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, said the present administration has put forward several policies aimed at addressing the nation’s economic and social challenges.
The NOA Boss ably represented by the Director, Political and Civic Education, Ethics and Values Orientation, Mrs. Adeola Adelaja, stated this on Monday at a press conference, held at the NOA office in Ekiti, the State capital.
According to him, from the Student Loan Scheme to the Nigeria Youth Investment Fund, and from the removal of fuel subsidies to energy sector reforms, the initiatives reflect that the government is committed to improving the lives of Nigerians.
He added that 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.
Onilu, who noted that true and lasting change requires sustained action, collaboration, and a collective commitment, said the mutual engagement of the concept 7 for 7 would enhance the country’s chances to achieve optimal unity, peace and advancement, giving the facts that Nigerian promises; Equality, Democracy, Entrepreneurship & Employment, Peace & Security, Inclusivity, Freedom & Justice and Meritocracy. While the citizen codes include; Discipline, Duty of Care, Tolerance & Respect, Leadership, Transparency, Environmental Awareness and Resilience.
The journey, the NOA chief stressed, to reorient the values of the nation cannot be completed by the Agency alone. The D-G therefore called on the media, civil society, educators, and citizens to join the task of promoting a culture that values discipline, responsibility, and national pride.
In revitalizing the dignity of the national symbols, such as the flag, anthem and pledge, September 16th, has been designate to serve as a National Symbols Enlightenment Day.
Also to better align with democratic principles while still promoting descipline and moral responsibility, he said Citizens Value Brigade has now replaced War Against Indiscipline (WAI).
Earlier in his opening remarks, the Ekiti State NOA Director, Mr. Adeyemi Akinola, said any uncivilised behaviour that portrayed the country’s core values in negative image, is a great challenge to the social, economic and political development of Nigeria.
