The Federal Government of Nigeria has emphasized that patriotism among its citizens is essential for building a prosperous nation, going beyond merely providing infrastructure. This assertion was made by the Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, during the Stakeholders’ Engagement on the National Anthem, Identity Project, and Value Charter held in Osogbo, the capital of Osun State.
Key Messages from the NOA
In his remarks, delivered by Olubukola Olorunfemi, NOA’s Director of Report Coordination and Improvement, Issa-Onilu stated that sustainable change must be deeply rooted in the cherished ethics and values of the people. He remarked, “A change that does not take its root in the people’s cherished ethics and values stands on quicksand. No infrastructure nor state-of-the-art facilities can endure a citizenry that is unpatriotic.”
He further expressed concern over the fragmentation of national unity, saying, “Whatever bound us together in the past had long ago melted like wax. We are in pieces and need to be glued together.” He indicated that the NOA is undergoing a re-strategization to tackle the pressing challenges facing the country, emphasizing that a robust value system is necessary to evaluate societal conduct.
Initiatives to Foster Patriotism and Unity
To address societal issues and promote patriotism, Issa-Onilu outlined several initiatives the NOA is implementing:
- Mobilizer App: The agency is developing a mobile application aimed at engaging youths through social media while facilitating easy crime reporting.
- ‘The Real Nigerian Campaign’: This campaign seeks to promote cultural pride through traditional outfits and customs.
- Engagement with Cartoon Creators: Collaborating with content creators to ensure that children’s programming reflects Nigerian heroes, values, and achievements to foster national development.
- Citizens Brigade Recruitment: The NOA plans to recruit about 37,000 volunteers, with 1,000 from each state, in primary and secondary schools to promote the National Values Charter.
Issa-Onilu concluded by inspiring a collective belief in the potential for national improvement, stating, “If we believe we can, then we will. We should transport the law of our country to any place we find ourselves within the country or in the diaspora.”
This initiative underscores the government’s recognition that patriotism and shared values are crucial to fostering a cohesive and thriving nation.