The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has called on Journalists in Ekiti State to join its mission of re-shaping the national mindset of the people through its national identity project.
The Director General, NOA, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, disclosed this at the Press Conference held today at the National Orientation Agency Office, Ado-Ekiti.
The Director General NOA, represented by the National Director Political and Civic Education Ethic and Value Orientation, Mrs Adelaja Adeola, stressed the importance of values orientation and attitudinal change in building a better Nigeria.
He noted that the agency is working towards restoring national pride and a sense of shared identity among Nigerians, adding that promoting national values will create a more prosperous nation for all.
The NOA boss pointed that the agency recently presented a series of proposals to the Federal Executive Council (FEC) which have been approved.
He said these initiatives which include; the Restoration of National symbols, National Values Charter and curriculum And Citizens Value Brigade, are all designed to strengthen national values and promote responsible citizenship.
Speaking on the memoranda approved by Federal Executive Council (FEC), the NOA Director General highlighted in line with the amends on National Symbols and National Anthem, that the First stanza of the National Anthem alone must be recited at every official functions, while the last stanza should be adopted as the national prayer.
He further highlighted that the three stanzas be recited on special occasions like Independence Day, Democracy Day, Inauguration of the National Assembly, Children’s Day, Armed Forces Remembrance Day and Workers Day.
Mallam Issa-Onilu also pointed that September 16th be observed as the national symbols enlightenment day in the country and the national flag must be hoisted in public buildings.
He added that National Values Charter be made mandatory in schools for both Basic and Post-basic students and also pointed the establishment of National Values Brigade in all schools across the country, adding that it will help to raise model citizens among the children.
The NOA boss also highlighted the approval of the change of name from the War Against Indiscipline (WAI) brigade to Citizens Value Brigade. He added that Value Orientation be made compulsory component of the One-year National Youth Service scheme to inculcate national values on graduates.
Also speaking at the conference, the Ekiti State Director, National Orientation Agency, Mr Adeyemi Akinola, emphasized that the National Values Charter is divided into two parts which are the Nigerian Promise and the Citizen’s Code. He said both parts consist of seven core commitments and is tagged 7 For 7.
Akinola said the first part which is the Nigerian promise include Equality, Democracy, Entrepreneurship and employment, Peace and security, Inclusitivity, Freedom and Justice and Meritocracy are all what is expected of the government to do for the citizens.
While the Citizen’s code which includes Discipline, Duty and care, Tolerance and respect, Leadership, Transparency, Environmental awareness and Resilience are what the government expects from the citizens.
The State Director General, however charged citizens to exhibit behaviors that is inline with the National core value, saying to build a perfectly working country, we must build Nigerians to build Nigeria.