Lanre Issa-Onilu, director-general of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), has reaffirmed commitment to value reorientation, civic education, and national identity building.

This is contained in a statement issued by the agency’s director of communication and media, Bala Musa, on Saturday in Abuja.

Mr Musa quoted Mr Issa-Onilu as speaking during a courtesy visit by the executives, led by national president Aishatu Ibrahim.

Mr Issa-Onilu called for stronger collaboration with NAWOJ ahead of the next general elections, describing the engagement as timely and strategic for national development.

“Effective nation-building requires sustained partnerships between institutions responsible for public communication and citizen engagement,” he said.

He recalled the agency’s roots in the former MAMSER framework, noting its “robust grassroots structure with over 800 offices nationwide.”

Mr Issa-Onilu highlighted the agency’s mandate on civic orientation, commending women journalists for “patriotism and contributions through ethical journalism and voluntary service.”

He stressed the urgency of strengthening voter education among youths, noting that a significant proportion of Nigerians are under 35.

“Emerging digital influences and foreign media content are reshaping values, sometimes negatively, making structured civic engagement more critical,” he said.

The DG disclosed the Nigerian Identity Project under the National Values Charter, anchored on a “seven-for-seven” principle of mutual responsibility.

He added that the Federal Executive Council approved key components, including the reintroduction of Citizenship Studies across school curricula to promote national values.

Mr Issa-Onilu also noted plans to boost local children’s content, targeting at least 70 per cent of cartoons reflecting indigenous culture and values.

He stressed the need for strategic communication to improve public perception and strengthen national cohesion.

He called for a shift from quota-based approaches to addressing barriers limiting women’s participation in leadership.

Earlier, Mrs Ibrahim said the visit aimed to strengthen collaboration on civic education, ethical journalism, and combating misinformation.

She proposed joint initiatives including training workshops, community outreach, local language materials, and coordinated media campaigns.

NAWOJ Board of Trustees member, Zubair Jide Atta, underscored national values and civic orientation, advocating stronger media and information literacy in schools.

The engagement reaffirmed a shared commitment to promoting civic responsibility, national values, and inclusive governance ahead of forthcoming elections. 

(NAN)