The National Orientation Agency, NOA has called on all Nigerians to actively support national development by embracing core values that promote peace, social cohesion, and unity across the various ethnic, religious, and socio-cultural divides in the country.
The Agency says it is committed to fostering a value-driven society where citizens play an active role in governance and national progress.
The NOA Director General, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, stated this during the Youth and Security Strategic Dialogue held in Bauchi State over the weekend.
Issa-Onilu, who was represented by the zonal Director North East zone, Alh Nura Yusuf Kobi, reiterated the imperative of values-driven citizen engagement as a critical enabler for addressing insecurity and consolidating national unity across Nigeria.
It emphasized that sustainable national development is contingent, not only on government interventions, but also on the attitudes, responsibilities, and everyday conduct of citizens.
“Security is a shared responsibility. When citizens are vigilant, responsible, and actively engaged, communities become safer and more resilient,” the Director General stated.
Issa-Onilu highlighted the National Values Charter (NVC) as a foundational framework for driving national transformation, adding that the Charter institutionalizes a reciprocal commitment between government and citizens, clearly articulating mutual obligations.
According to the Director General, the initiative provides a pragmatic pathway for addressing critical national challenges, including insecurity, corruption, youth restiveness, and misinformation, through the promotion of accountability and discipline, respect for diversity and adherence to the rule of law, as well as active citizen participation in governance.
“If both government and citizens fulfill their responsibilities, Nigeria will achieve its full potential,” he added.
The Agency reaffirmed its statutory mandate to drive public enlightenment, civic education, and national integration, underscoring the centrality of strategic communication in achieving policy outcomes.
The NOA boss spoke of the Agency’s ongoing interventions focused on promoting national unity and shared values, countering misinformation and harmful narratives, enhancing citizen participation in governance processes, and building trust between government and communities.
This integrated approach, he noted, positions the Agency as a preventive force within the national security ecosystem by addressing underlying drivers such as negative social attitudes, information gaps, and community disengagement.
Issa-Onilu expressed concern over the growing prevalence of misinformation and the “get-rich-quick” mindset, noting their adverse implications for social stability and national cohesion.
He encouraged young Nigerians to always verify information prior to dissemination, invest in skills development and legitimate economic opportunities, as well as contribute constructively to community development.
“The spread of false information undermines peace and stability. Responsible communication is a fundamental civic obligation,” the Director General emphasized.
