FG hails NOA contribution to national unity, cohesion

The Federal government has commended the National Orientation Agency (NOA) for its vital contributions to promoting national unity, cohesion, and inclusiveness.

It also announced the readiness to begin implementation of the National Values Charter in line with the President’s commitment to fostering moral, ethical, and cultural reawakening by instilling the right values, attitudes, and perspectives in the hearts and minds of all Nigerians.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, stated this in Abuja, while declaring open the expanded retreat of the National Orientation Agency (NOA).

He said: “NOA has become one of the most essential tools for shaping national narratives and conversations, promoting unity against a backdrop of diversity, and fostering a sense of inclusiveness and belonging in every part of the country.”

He praised the Director General, Mr. Lanre Issa-Onilu, for adapting to the dynamics of public communication by leveraging technology to scale up public awareness and engagement with a feedback mechanism in keeping with the realities of the 21st century.

“I am very pleased to note that the NOA, under the leadership of Mr. Issa-Onilu, has prioritized technology in the work of the Agency, in keeping with the realities of the 21st century.

“The NOA has become one of the most technology-compliant agencies in Nigeria today, taking the lead in the deployment of digital tools and technologies like The Mobiliser App, as well as a well-received Artificial Intelligence platform for civic awareness and engagement, among other initiatives,” he said.

The Minister described the expanded retreat as a step in the right direction, which is envisioned to offer another opportunity to refine the vision and to redouble the effort of NOA towards advancing on a journey that has unlimited potential to shape the future of Nigeria.

He said the National Values Charter – one of the flagship initiatives of his ministry through the NOA, has been carefully crafted and designed to ensure that all Nigerians are fully aware of their rights and protections under the constitution and the laws of the land and that governments at all levels are equally aware of all the constitutionally-guaranteed obligations that they have to the citizenry.

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In his address, the Director-General of NOA, Mr. Lanre Issa-Onilu, reflected on the agency’s progress over the past ten months.

He highlighted efforts to revamp the agency’s structures and platforms, a necessary step following years of neglect. “It’s disheartening that such a vital institution was allowed to languish, but we are now on the path to rejuvenation,” he said.

Issa-Onilu added that the demographic landscape of Nigeria had changed significantly since the MAMSER era, with 93% of the population now made up of youths under 45.

He noted that he has adjusted its strategies to effectively engage this younger demographic, which now dominates the new media landscape.

He acknowledged the vast difference in communication tools compared to 1991, stating, “The beats have changed; the dancing steps must adjust to the new rhythms.”

Issa-Onilu further explained that the NOA’s new approach involves a collaborative effort between the government and citizens, marking a departure from past practices.