NOA Ondo Flags Off Nationwide Campaign on National Values, Identity & Security
“Building Nigerians to Build Nigeria” takes center stage at multi-thematic sensitization launch in Akure
In a spirited display of patriotism, community engagement and national duty, the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Ondo State Directorate, on Monday, September 1, 2025, launched a comprehensive nationwide sensitization campaign from its Conference Hall at the Federal Secretariat, Igbatoro Road, Akure. With the powerful theme, “Building Nigerians to Build Nigeria,” the agency flagged off a multi-pronged advocacy mission targeting five critical national issues: national values re-orientation for students, government policies enlightenment, flood mitigation awareness, national identity sensitization, and national security consciousness.
Welcoming attendees at the press conference, roadshow, and town hall meeting, the Ondo State Director of NOA, Mr. James Adekunle, expressed the urgency of saturating the public discourse with these five thematic focus areas. According to him, the agency’s goal is to create a robust information network that reaches every Nigerian, especially at the grassroots. He called on the press to amplify the campaign’s messages with commitment and accuracy. “You are our partners in progress,” he said, adding, “We rely on your voices to reach the nooks and crannies of our great nation.”
The keynote speech, delivered by Dr. (Mrs.) Kemi Afolayan on behalf of the Director-General of the NOA, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, laid out a compelling vision for national transformation through civic education, proactive government communication, and collaborative security strategies. “We are here not only to inform but to ignite a collective consciousness,” Mallam Onilu’s speech declared. “This is about reawakening the Nigerian spirit—one of unity, resilience, and purpose.”
Among the foremost issues addressed was the alarming rise of extreme “sign out” practices among graduating students, often involving reckless celebrations. The NOA is spearheading a values re-orientation programme in secondary schools and tertiary institutions nationwide, aimed at curbing this disturbing trend. “Celebration should not become a danger to life,” the Director-General emphasized. “We must return to values that uphold dignity, moderation, and respect for life.”
Equally prominent in the campaign is the enlightenment on key government programmes and policies, such as the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), which has disbursed over ₦59 billion to more than 600,000 students. The NOA is working to ensure that young Nigerians are not only aware of such life-changing interventions but also equipped with the knowledge to access them. Other highlighted programmes include the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Fund, Trader Moni, Farmer Moni, and the National Youth Investment Fund (NYIF).
In light of the devastating effects of seasonal flooding across several states, the campaign also shines a spotlight on flood mitigation and environmental responsibility. The agency is working with the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) to push early warning advisories into communities, while urging Nigerians to stop indiscriminate waste dumping and support efforts in drainage clearing. “Flooding is not just a natural disaster; it is often a man-made one,” the DG noted.
Addressing national security, the sensitization campaign aims to deepen public trust and cooperation with the security agencies. Under the Renewed Hope Security Architecture, specialized Armed Forces units, new surveillance technologies, and over 15,000 security personnel have been deployed. NOA’s goal is to engage over 3 million Nigerians per state through media engagement, town halls, and advocacy visits to traditional rulers and religious leaders.
Another cornerstone of the campaign is the promotion of national identity and symbols, with renewed emphasis on the current national anthem, flag, naira, and passport. In an age of cultural globalization and digital misinformation, the DG called on Nigerians to reconnect with their roots. “We must know and cherish what it means to be Nigerian,” he stated. “Our symbols are not mere emblems; they represent our collective history, struggles, and aspirations.”
To reach this ambitious target, the NOA is employing a hybrid strategy—combining digital tools like their CLHEEAN AI chatbot and revitalized website (www.noa.gov.ng) with grassroots mobilization including roadshows, school visits, market campaigns, and motor park sensitization across the 36 states, FCT, and 774 local government areas. The “Weekly Explainer” e-journal, radio broadcasts in local languages, and national TV documentaries further strengthen their outreach.
The conference concluded with a call to national unity and personal responsibility. “The destiny of Nigeria lies not only in the hands of the government but also in the hearts of its people,” Mr. Adekunle affirmed in his closing remarks. “As we build Nigerians through information, values, and identity, we will indeed build a stronger Nigeria.” The press, civil society, traditional institutions, and the general public are now expected to play their parts in this historic national reawakening.