As Nigeria marks 66 years of independence, the National Orientation Agency, NOA, is calling on citizens to protect the country’s unity, reject violence and hate speech, and take greater responsibility for building a peaceful and prosperous nation.
The appeal, issued by NOA Director-General, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, comes as the country looks ahead to another politically sensitive period, with the agency urging Nigerians to respect divergent views, resolve disagreements through lawful and democratic means, and keep national interest above political differences.
Mallam Issa-Onilu said independence gave Nigerians the opportunity to determine their own destiny, but stressed that the responsibility of shaping the country’s future cannot rest with government alone.
“We must continue to hold on to the gains of our independence by taking responsibility for the Nigeria we want. The progress of our country depends not only on what the government does, but also on what each of us contributes as citizens,” he said.
The NOA said its role will continue to include promoting patriotism, national unity and responsible citizenship.
The agency further said it will also continue providing citizens with information about government policies and programmes while encouraging constructive participation in national development.
Issa-Onilu’s Independence Day message therefore places the country’s next chapter partly in the hands of its citizens.
At 66, Nigeria’s independence story remains unfinished.
The challenge, according to the NOA, is for citizens and government to play their respective roles in building a country that is more peaceful, productive and prosperous.
And as another year of independence begins, the question is not only what Nigeria can do for its citizens, but what each citizen can contribute to the Nigeria they want to see.
