The Ebonyi State office of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Traditional Rulers and women group have partnered on the Agency’s campaign on its new initiative, tagged “National Identity Project.”
The Agency’s Director-General, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu called on Nigerians to key into the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu administration and it’s campaign initiative on the need to uphold the national values and attitudinal change.
He reiterated the Agency’s commitment to value orientation on Nigerians.The DG made the ascertion at a stakeholders engagement on the new “National Anthem and National Values Charter” of NOA on Thursday in Afikpo Local government area (LGA) of Ebonyi.
Issa-Onilu, represented by Mr Emeka Egbugara, Director & Coordinator, Environment, Climate and Energies of NOA, Abuja described the character of citizens as the “true determinat” of a nation’s well-being.
He further disclosed that the initiatives, which have been approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC), include the Restoration of National Symbols, National Values Charter and Curriculum, and Citizens’ Value Brigade.
He pointed out that promoting the National identities were importance to sustainable development, expressing that the move for the sensitisation would go a long way to shapen citizens and the leaders attitudes for a better Nigeria.
Issa-Onilu urged the traditional rulers, the women group, religious and youth leaders in Afikpo and Ebonyi in general to embrace the call and spread the good messages at the grassroots.
He explained that with the seven core commitments and promises of the Nigerians state tagged, ” seven-for-seven” has redefined the nation’s hope for a better tomorrow.
It reports that some of the seven cores and promises include: discipline, duty of care, tolerance and respect, leadership, transparency, resilience among others.
“With these , the country will be on the path of tranquility and long-lasting peace and progress,” Issa-Onilu added.
Mr Ifeanyichukwu Ewa, Chairman of the occasion said the national identity project was a welcome development to nation building.Ewa called on Nigerians to stand together, embrace national identity and uphold the values enshrined in the National Value Charter for the nation building.
Also speaking, Eze Ewa Elechi, Traditional Ruler of Isuoha 1 of Ohaisu Community in Afikpo LGA, pledged support to the campaign, noting that he would mobilised his cabinets at ensuring that are were informed.
Ewa urged the federal and state government to strengthen every channels aiming at building the confidence of the citizens towards achieving a new Nigeria.
In his remark, Director of NOA in Ebonyi, Mr Theophilus Nwokpor stated that the agency had taken up the responsibility of promoting a culture that values discipline, responsibility and national pride.
“NOA’s mission is to re-engineer the national mindset through value orientation and attitudinal change campaigns.
“The agency has put in place some initiatives that will provide the foundation for realigning national values and promoting responsible citizenship,” Issa-Onilu said.
On restoration of National Symbols, Nwokpor said the initiative “is geared towards revitalising the dignity of our national symbols, such as the flag, anthem and pledge.”
He further implored every Nigerian to embrace the new initiatives of NOA towards value change.