NOA Commences Month Long Nationwide Campaign On Reawakening Civic Responsibility, National Values

“Our democracy thrives only when citizens are informed and actively engaged. Our communities are safer when people are alert and cooperative. Our youth flourish when guided by the right values." Issa-Onilu.

The National Orientation Agency, NOA, in a commendable move aimed at rekindling patriotism and also, strengthen civic engagement of the citizenry, on Wednesday 13, August announced the launch of a two-week nationwide sensitization campaign, targeted at reinstating national values, public safety, disaster preparedness, and citizen awareness of government programmes.

The campaign, officially unveiled today at a press conference in Abuja by the Director-General of the Agency, will be implemented across all 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory, and all 774 Local Government Areas of the country.

Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu Director General NOA during the launch, described the initiative as “a coordinated national awakening.” 

Issa-Onilu, while addressing the media, emphasized that the campaign is designed to address critical issues affecting the country’s unity, safety, and development.

“Our democracy thrives only when citizens are informed and actively engaged. Our communities are safer when people are alert and cooperative. Our youth flourish when guided by the right values,” he said.

He disclosed that the campaign seeks to counter the effects of misinformation, promote public preparedness for emergencies such as flooding, encourage responsible behaviour among students, and revive respect for Nigeria’s national symbols.

The DG NOA highlighted recent trends including extreme and dangerous graduation practices in schools, low levels of awareness about government initiatives, and projected high flood risks in 27 states as pressing reasons for the campaign’s launch.

As part of the nationwide rollout, "NOA will engage with communities through school outreaches, town hall meetings, motor park campaigns, market activations, religious institutions, and traditional leadership structures. 

"Information materials will be shared in English and local languages, while daily broadcasts on radio, television, and digital media will amplify the campaign’s reach." The DG stated.

On accessibility of the various offices of the NOA, Issa-Onilu disclosed that "Citizens will also have access to toll-free feedback lines and online platforms to share concerns and seek clarification on government policies".

In response to questions from journalists, the Director-General reiterated the need for proper handling of national symbols, while urging public institutions to replace worn-out flags and comply with protocols on their display.

“Our flag, our anthem, our coat of arms these are not just symbols. They represent the soul of our nation and must be treated with dignity and respect,” he said.

The campaign, he stressed, is not just an institutional initiative but a call to action for all Nigerians.

“Let us use these two weeks to ignite a renewed spirit of patriotism, vigilance, unity, and shared responsibility. Together, we can make the values we preach the values we live.”

The NOA also called on the media, civil society, student bodies, traditional rulers, and all community stakeholders to support the campaign and help amplify its message across the country.

The sensitization drive is scheduled to run through the end of August.