The Director-General of the National Orientation Agency, NOA, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, has called on staff of the Federal Ministry of Finance to uphold respect for Nigeria’s national symbols, describing patriotism and adherence to the National Values Charter as essential duties of every citizen.
Issa-Onilu made the call during a sensitisation and training workshop on the promotion of Nigeria’s national symbols and the National Identity Project held at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja.
He said the NOA, as custodian of the nation’s national symbols, has the responsibility of ensuring that Nigerians understand their significance, respect them, and use them appropriately because they represent the country’s identity, unity and shared values.
Speaking on the National Identity Project, the NOA boss explained that the National Values Charter was introduced to strengthen national identity by creating a social contract that clearly outlines the responsibilities of both government and citizens in building a united and responsible nation.
He highlighted several initiatives undertaken by the Agency to entrench the Charter, including a global reputation management campaign for Nigeria, partnerships to promote educational cartoon content, collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Education to develop a national values-based curriculum for secondary schools, and ongoing engagement with the National Universities Commission and other education regulatory bodies to introduce similar curricula in tertiary institutions.
The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, commended the NOA for promoting programmes aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s national identity and encouraging patriotism.
Oyedele announced that the Ministry would appoint ambassadors to champion the promotion of national symbols within the Ministry and request sensitisation materials from the NOA to educate staff on the National Values Charter.
He also pledged the Ministry’s support for the Agency’s programmes and urged the NOA to sustain public enlightenment through continuous sensitisation, knowledge sharing and civic education.
During the workshop, Issa-Onilu educated participants on the proper rendition of the National Anthem, the correct use of the Nigerian flag, and the principles guiding the use of other national symbols and the National Values Charter to deepen understanding of civic responsibility and national identity.
The NOA delegation included the Director of Media and Communications, Bala Musa, and the Director of Civic, Values and Democracy Education, Dr. Olukemi Afolayan, while members of the Ministry’s management team and staff represented the Federal Ministry of Finance.
