The 48th session of the National Council on Information and National Orientation, held in Kaduna, has adopted critical proposals from the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to reinforce Nigeria’s identity and value system.
The initiatives, presented by NOA Director General Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, are part of the National Identity Project previously approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC). These proposals focus on implementing the National Values Charter (NVC) and restoring the dignity and standardisation of national symbols.
The Council approved measures to promote value orientation across the country, including establishing Citizens’ Values Brigades in schools, developing a compulsory citizenship studies curriculum for all educational levels, incorporating the NVC into government officials’ retreats, and supporting local creatives in promoting Nigerian values and heroes. Value orientation will also be integrated into NYSC and graduate skill-building programs.
To elevate and regulate the use of national symbols, the Council endorsed the adoption of the third stanza of the National Anthem as the National Prayer. It also reserved the full National Anthem for significant occasions like Democracy Day and Armed Forces Remembrance Day, while the first stanza will be used for routine public functions. Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) will now source flags and national insignia exclusively from the NOA to ensure authenticity and quality.
State governments have been tasked with working closely with NOA state directors to ensure the effective implementation of these resolutions.
The session, themed “Enhancing Public Information Management for Inclusive Governance: Renewed Hope Agenda in Focus,” brought together top government officials, including the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, members of the National Assembly, and Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State.
The National Council on Information and National Orientation, which meets annually, serves as a strategic advisory body on public information management and national reputational issues. Its resolutions provide a framework for fostering unity, national pride, and value reorientation, ensuring cohesive efforts across federal, state, and local governments.
This landmark resolution underscores the Council’s role in promoting a unified national identity and embedding value orientation at all levels of governance.
