The National Orientation Agency (NOA), Ebonyi Directorate has launched a sensitisation campaign on five critical issues focusing on nation building.
Our correspondent reports that the issues include: get-rich-quick syndrome, HIV/AIDS, security consciousness, tax reform bill and human rights.
Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, Director-General (DG) of the Agency, said in a news conference in Abakaliki on Thursday that the campaign became necessary in order to keep Nigerians well informed.
Issa-Onilu, represented by the Director and Coordinator of Environment, Climate and Energy, Mr Emeka Egbugara called on all citizens to stand for the unity and progress of our dear country.
“Today, we are commencing a nationwide mobilization of Nigerians to unite in our commitment to addressing these pressing issues and fostering a more informed, secure, and ethical society.
“The challenges before us require collective action and active participation from all Nigerians,” Issa-Onilu.
On security, the Director-General said it has been a top priority of the government, urging for the need to strengthen more security architecture through better equipment, training, and increased funding for security agencies.
“Expanding policing initiatives to improve collaboration between citizens and law enforcement. Deploying technology, such as surveillance systems and intelligence gathering, to combat criminal activities,” he added.
Issa-Onilu decried the rising crime among youths on acquisition of wealth, calling on citizens to shun the get-rich-quick syndrome.
“Citizens must reject shortcuts to wealth and embrace integrity, hard work, and the opportunities provided through government initiatives to make life better for citizens.
“In this Yuletide season, the tendency to resort to criminal ways to acquire ill gotten wealth so as to impress others is heightened. We will in this month of December be carrying out nationwide sensitization against the get rich quick syndrome,” he stated.
The DG said that nationwide campaign would also centre on tax reform bill of the federal government, stating that taxation is essential for funding national development and economic growth.
Mr Theophilus Nwokpor, Ebonyi State Director of NOA also condemned the act of get-rich-quick syndrome among children and described it as “worrisome” to nation building.
“These unethical acts include but not limited to money ritual, corruption, advance-fee fraud and other cyber-crimes, popularly known as “Yahoo-Yahoo.”
“The extent of involvement in different rituals among the youths in the name of making quick money and to belong had continuously posed serious threat to the future of the country,” Nwokpor stated.