The Director-General of the National Orientation Agency, Lanre Issa-Onilu, has called on Nigerians to shun misinformation and all kinds of divisive narratives capable of breeding disunity and retarding growth and development.
The NOA DG is asking that citizens embrace a positive mindset and responsible communication as critical tools for national development and success.
He made the call while delivering a public lecture titled “Positive Mindset and Communication for Success” at the reunion of the University of Ife Muslim Graduates’ Association held at Obafemi Awolowo University.
Mallam Issa-Onilu commended the association for its enduring commitment to scholarship, moral development, and nation-building, noting that Nigeria possesses enormous human and intellectual potential that can only be unlocked through the right attitude and constructive engagement.
He stressed that national progress depends not only on government policies but also on the mindset of citizens and the quality of conversations within society.
The NOA Director-General explained that having a positive mindset does not mean ignoring the country’s challenges, but responding to them with resilience, hope, and solution-driven thinking.
According to him, negative attitudes and destructive narratives weaken national development, while optimism and constructive engagement inspire growth, innovation, and social progress.
Issa-Onilu described communication as a powerful instrument for building trust, shaping public perception, and sustaining development, and warned against the spread of misinformation, divisive narratives, and careless use of communication, especially in the digital age.
He added that people often respond not to what is intended but to what they understand, making clarity, empathy, and purpose essential in public discourse.
“I call on Nigerians to promote unity through responsible communication and adoption of a mindset of hope, discipline, and integrity.
“Success is built on intentional thinking, disciplined action, and shared national values such as accountability, respect for the rule of law, and patriotism, as promoted under the National Values Charter initiative of the NOA,” he acknowledged.
The Chairman of the occasion and Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Matrix Energy Group, Abdulkabir Adisa Aliu, expressed appreciation to the Vice-Chancellor, members of the university management, the Muslim community, distinguished scholars, traditional rulers, alumni, students, and guests for their support for the reunion.
He described the gathering as an important platform for reconnecting, reflecting, and renewing commitments to faith, excellence, and service to humanity.
According to a communiqué signed by the National President of UNIFEMGA, Mohamed Buari, and the National Secretary, Sefiu Ikudaisi, the university management acknowledged the association’s contributions towards the development of the institution.
As part of its welfare initiatives, UNIFEMGA presented 140 scholarships worth N14.6 million to students of Obafemi Awolowo University and disclosed that it had disbursed a total of N103.4 million to 1,148 students since the inception of the scheme in the 2009/2010 academic session.
The association also launched a N200 million endowment fund for members’ widows and orphans, while calling for stronger collaboration between universities and the private sector to enhance research, innovation, and sustainability.
It further urged the government to improve electricity supply, infrastructure, and human capital development, stressing that employment opportunities must be created to prevent unemployed youths from being exploited for violence.
