From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin
The National Orientation Agency (NOA), has launched a grassroot campaign aimed at rekindling Nigerians’ sense of national values, improving awareness on government policies, and strengthening public security consciousness.
Speaking during the Ilorin flag-off, NOA Director-General, Mallam Issa Onilu, explained that the campaign was conceived to bridge the information gap between government and citizens.
He said the initiative was structured around five focus areas: government programmes, disaster preparedness, national security, values re-orientation, and Nigeria’s identity and symbols.
Onilu, who was represented by the Zonal Director, Dr Priscilla Gondoaluor, highlighted key government interventions such as the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, Conditional Cash Transfer, Renewed Hope Infrastructure Fund targeting the renovation of 700 rural schools, and the National Youth Investment Fund.
Related News
He added that the Industrial Training Fund was also working to empower young people with skills to compete globally.
On disaster management, he said Nigerians must prepare ahead of floods through proper drainage maintenance and waste disposal.
He revealed that last year, each state received ₦3 billion under the Presidential Flood Mitigation Programme to relocate flood-prone communities and clear major waterways.
Touching on insecurity, Onilu said government has scaled up efforts by deploying drones, surveillance technologies, armoured vehicles, and recruiting more than 15,000 new security personnel across the country.
“Citizens must also play their part by remaining vigilant and promoting values that unite rather than divide us,” he added.
The Director-General further emphasised that the campaign would address negative practices among young people, particularly harmful graduation activities in schools, while promoting respect for national identity and symbols.
Other stakeholders at the event lent their voices. Mrs Funmilayo Babatunde, representing the National Youth Service Corps, urged NOA to work with corps members through their Community Development Service groups to spread the campaign messages.
Deputy Commander of the NDLEA, Kenneth Odili, cautioned that drug abuse was a “time bomb” threatening the nation’s future if not urgently tackled.
The programme drew participants from the Police, Immigration, Road Safety Corps, Correctional Service, and other security and civic agencies, underscoring the need for collective responsibility in building a better Nigeria.
