Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, Director General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), has called for urgent reforms to foster patriotism and establish a cohesive national identity among Nigerians. Speaking at a Town Hall Meeting and media parley held in Abuja on Tuesday, the DG outlined a comprehensive National Identity Project aimed at reshaping the values and character of the nation.
The project, endorsed by the National Executive Council (NEC), includes initiatives such as the National Values Charter, The Nigerian Promise, Citizens’ Codes, and the 7 for 7 Initiative, which identifies seven critical institutions for instilling national values.
Mallam Issa-Onilu emphasized the absence of structured systems to nurture children and youth in citizenship and patriotism. He warned of the dangers of leaving young Nigerians to navigate foreign influences without local frameworks to anchor their identity.
“Children are left to navigate an environment with no guidance because institutions to nurture them are missing. Naturally, they look to foreign models for inspiration. This vacuum leaves young Nigerians without clear concepts of citizenship or identity,” the DG remarked.
Mallam Issa-Onilu posed a critical question: “Who is a Nigerian?” He noted the lack of a unifying national identity, with many citizens defaulting to ethnic or religious affiliations. He called for the establishment of a National Values Charter as a social contract to define and promote shared values.
He contrasted Nigeria’s situation with countries like the United States and France, where deliberate efforts have created cohesive national identities rooted in values such as liberty and family.
The DG proposed practical steps to address the challenges, including:
Reintroducing Civic Education: Making Citizenship Studies a compulsory part of the curriculum in schools and universities to teach ethics, history, and national values.
Engaging Faith-Based Institutions: Leveraging the influence of religious and community organizations to nurture patriotism and shared values.
7 for 7 Initiative:
The DG highlighted the 7 for 7 Initiative, a strategy focusing on key institutions to foster national values consistently across society.
Mallam Issa-Onilu expressed optimism about the NOA’s efforts, stating, “When you graduate and receive a certificate stating you are worthy in character and learning, we want to ensure that the character aspect is as strong as the learning.”
Through these reforms, the NOA aimed to inspire a new generation of Nigerians with a clear understanding of their identity, rooted in patriotism and shared national values.
