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Tag: NOA

  • Zambia to adopt NOA’s national values charter

    Zambia to adopt NOA’s national values charter

    The Zambian government has indicated interest in understudying the operation of the National Values charter, the cornerstone of the proposed Nigerian Identity Project which was earlier approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC).

    This was the outcome of the second meeting between NOA officials led by the Director General, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu and the Zambian High Commission officials in Nigeria led by Jenipher Mutembo, Deputy High Commissioner at the NOA headquarters in Abuja.

     Addressing the team from the Zambian High Commission, the Director General of the NOA, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, gave an overview of the operational structure of the agency saying, “It is my pleasure to welcome you to the premises of the National Orientation Agency. The Agency is one of the largest in Nigeria, with 818 offices across all 774 local government areas, 36 states, and the Federal Capital Territory. We are deeply rooted at the grassroots level and remain a vital communication channel between the government and the people.”

    Issa-Onilu explained that the Agency communicates government policies, programmes, and projects to citizens and collates grassroots feedback to inform decision-making, adding that the  feedback is regularly submitted to the relevant government institutions and the parliament.

    The DG, who said the NOA promotes patriotism, civic responsibility, and unity among Nigerians, also shared his experience at a recent programme in the United Kingdom, where he met the Gambian High Commissioner in London, whose took interest in the work of the NOA, indicating potentials for broader African collaboration. He expressed hope that Zambia might similarly engage in such partnerships.

    Speaking further,  he also commented on the narrow perception of leadership in Africa, typically limited to political figures, instead of encompassing civil, traditional, and moral leaders as influencers of national values.

    In her remarks, the Zambian Deputy High Commisioner, Mrs Jenipher Mutembo, expressed sincere gratitude for the hospitality and openness extended by the Director General and his team, recognising the institutional strength and nationwide structure of the NOA.

    Mrs Mutembo said, “I must commend your presence in all local government areas. This grassroots model is powerful, and we see its potential as a framework other African countries, Zambia included, can learn from.”

    Read Also: Improved security synergy recorded in October – NOA

    She applauded the Agency’s commitment in providing an  opportunity for Zambia to observe, learn, and possibly adopt aspects of NOA’s operational methodology for national reorientation and civic education, stressing the shared African values, youth influence, and the role of media, particularly touching on cultural perceptions exported through Nigeria’s creative industry.

    “Our young people are watching these films. They are learning, forming ideas, and creating perceptions, sometimes misinformed, about success, morality, and identity. What we portray shapes national values and international image. As leaders, we have a duty to ensure that the content reaching the public inspires unity, innovation, dignity, and pride in African heritage.

    “Nigeria is the cultural giant of Africa, and Nollywood is one of your most powerful exports. However, as a sister country, I must mention, with respect, that there is growing concern in Zambia, particularly among our youth, about the dominant themes of rituals, occultism, and superstitions in many Nollywood productions,” she stated.

    While raising the importance of inter-agency collaboration and South-South knowledge exchange,she proposed a more formal mechanism for technical cooperation between Zambia and Nigeria on civic education and grassroots mobilisation, cultural diplomacy and media content exchange.

    She further reaffirmed Zambia’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and expressed appreciation for NOA’s strategic leadership, adding that Zambia is actively seeking models that foster behavioural change and civic responsibility to support sustainable development.

    Mrs Mutembo concluded by acknowledging that Nigeria’s investment in structured national orientation can serve as a reference for Zambia’s own national development strategy, particularly in promoting public participation in governance and responsible citizenship.

  • N59million disbursed to 600,000 students under NELFUND scheme – NOA DG

    N59million disbursed to 600,000 students under NELFUND scheme – NOA DG

    Mr Lanre Issa-Onilu, Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), has disclosed that over 600,000 students have so far benefitted from the N59million disbursed under the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) scheme.

    Issa-Onilu, disclosed this at a news conference on Thursday in Kano, to launch the five nationwide enlightenment campaigns on government policies, national values and identities, security awareness and disaster preparedness.

    The director-general further disclosed that the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, in collaboration with other stakeholders, had expressed the readiness to support 150,000 youths across the country with N110 billion.

    The director general, who was represented by Mr Williams Dogo, Director, Legal Services of the agency, said that NELFUND was available to all qualified Nigerians in public tertiary institutions.

    He said the sensitisation programme, with the theme “Nationwide Sensitisation on Five Thematic Areas,” was designed to deepen citizens’ knowledge of government initiatives.

    The NOA boss explained that the campaign would highlight the presidential directive on flood mitigation, which provided for the release of N3 billion to each state in 2024 for drainage clearance and relocation of vulnerable communities.

    Read Also: Have ABSU students benefited from NELFUND’s scheme?

    He said that 700 schools had been renovated nationwide as an intervention to improve learning facilities in rural areas.

    Issa-Onilu further said that more than 15,000 new security personnel had been deployed nationwide to address diverse security challenges.

    “It is our intention to carry out security awareness campaigns reaching no fewer than three million Nigerians in each state through media engagements, advocacy visits to traditional and religious leaders, rallies at markets and motor parks, as well as town hall meetings,” he said.

    On national values, he said that reorientation campaign would focus on patriotism, unity and campaigns against extreme graduation practices that contradict cultural norms.

    He added that the campaign would also familiarise Nigerians with the current national anthem.

    (NAN)

  • NOA commences enlightenment campaign on govt policies, security, others

    NOA commences enlightenment campaign on govt policies, security, others

    The National Orientation Agency (NOA) on Wednesday announced the commencement of a two-week nationwide enlightenment campaign.

    According to the director general of the agency, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, the campaign will focus on five thematic areas, which are: National enlightenment on government policies, programmes and activities; flood mitigation and disaster preparedness; national security awareness; national values reorientation for students against extreme sign-out practices; and Nigerian identity titles project and national symbols campaign.

    Issa-Onilu, who briefed the media on the exercise, said it will hold in all the 774 Local Government Areas of the country and the Federal Capital Territory.

    He stressed that the exercise is not just another campaign but one with the intent of reawakening the minds of the people.

    “Today marks the beginning of a two-week nationwide civic engagement drive across the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory, and across all the 774 Local Government Areas of our great country.

    “This is not just another campaign-it is a coordinated national awakening that touches the very heart of our identity, safety, values, and development.”

    Issa-Onilu said the campaigns are designed to address some of the most pressing issues in the communities.

    He stressed, “Nigeria stands at a defining moment. Our democracy thrives only when citizens are informed and actively engaged. Our communities are safer when citizens are alert and cooperative. Our youth flourish when guided by the right values. Our heritage endures when we uphold our symbols and identity. Our lives and livelihoods are preserved when we prepare ahead of natural disasters.

    “Yet across the country, recent surveys and field reports have shown gaps in awareness, harmful practices, and misinformation that threaten our unity, safety and progress.”

    Read Also: Ex-NOA officer makes case for state police

    The campaign, the DG therefore said, is a response to those gaps.

    Stressing the reorientation for students, Issa-Onilu said, “Graduation should be a moment of pride, not danger.”

    He therefore said attention would be to work with parents, school authorities and the students on the need to promote safe, value-based celebrations that uphold discipline, dig it and patriotism.

    He also said the campaign will revive the respect for our national symbols like the flag, the coat of arms, the Naira, etc. 

  • Ondo NOA harps on national unity, development

    Ondo NOA harps on national unity, development

    National Orientation Agency (NOA), Ondo State Directorate has launched a campaign to address security threats and promote unity, and development.

    Its Director, Mr. James Adekunle, said the campaign focused on youth restiveness, farmer-herder conflicts, kidnapping, and banditry, among others.

     At a town hall meeting in Uso, Owo Local Government Area, Mr. Adekunle emphasised the need for sustainable strategies to uphold peace and unity. He noted that achieving development would require a collective commitment to shared values and goals.

    Read Also: Ondo NOA urges NYSC corps to promote local goods, services

    The community urged the government on farmland protection and road infrastructure.

    Similar forums were held in Owena (Ondo East) and Isarun (Ifedore), where the agency reiterated its commitment to promoting inter-community dialogue, youth empowerment, and reconciliation in conflict-affected areas.

  • Osun Govt seeks NOA partnership for grassroots climate change advocacy

    Osun Govt seeks NOA partnership for grassroots climate change advocacy

    The Osun State Government has expressed readiness to collaborate with the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to enhance climate change awareness and advocacy at the grassroots level.

    This was disclosed by the Special Assistant to the Osun State Governor on Renewable Energy, Funmiso Babarinde, during a Climate Equity programme held in Ede.

    The event was organised by the Youth in Agroecology and Restoration Network (YARN), NET HOPE, and Ushahidi, Kenya, in collaboration with community-based organisations, government ministries, farmers, and local leaders.

    Addressing participants, Babarinde stressed the need to integrate community voices into local climate policies and strengthen grassroots capacity for climate action.

    “I want to use this opportunity to call on NOA to work with the Federal Ministry of Information and the State Ministry of Information to design a framework for grassroots advocacy,” he said. “Climate change is no longer just a scientific concern—it is a reality affecting us all.”

    Read Also: Osun govt laments deterioration of mega schools

    He advocated for climate change messaging in local languages, training for media practitioners in climate reporting, and the inclusion of Nollywood and music industry figures in public campaigns for greater impact and sustainability.

    Babarinde also revealed that the Osun State Government has developed a policy framework and programmes aimed at engaging young people in climate advocacy and training across the state.

    “We hosted a stakeholders engagement workshop for the Africa Multilateral infrastructure and Climate Change summit, South West stakeholders roundtable summit on Renewable Energy, among other initiatives like distribution of Solar lanterns to School children especially in rural communities, to aid their education among so many interventions by the state government in the emerging sector.”

  • Yeletawa massacre: NOA commends police, security agencies over arrest of suspect

    Yeletawa massacre: NOA commends police, security agencies over arrest of suspect

    The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has applauded the Nigeria Police and other security agencies for the swift arrest of the suspected mastermind behind the recent massacre in Yeletawa, Benue State, which claimed several lives and left property destroyed.

    In a statement issued on Tuesday by Paul Odenyi, Deputy Director of Communication & Media, NOA Director General, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, described the arrest as a strong indication of the security agencies’ commitment to safeguarding the lives and property of Nigerians.

    Issa-Onilu noted that the prompt response has brought much-needed relief to the affected communities and the nation as a whole, while also serving as a deterrent to those planning similar atrocities.

    He praised the tireless efforts of the security forces and highlighted the significance of the arrest in the context of the National Values Charter, under which peace and security are core promises made by leaders to the people.

    Read Also: Sickle Cell Day: Akwa Ibom NOA warns against high-risk marriages

    The NOA DG also commended President Bola Tinubu for his decisive leadership, recalling the president’s directive during a visit to Benue State that security agencies should bring the perpetrators to justice.

    Issa-Onilu further acknowledged the effective synergy among security agencies, which he said was critical to the operation’s success. He urged Nigerians to continue supporting law enforcement by providing timely and accurate information to aid their efforts.

    Reaffirming NOA’s commitment to unity, patriotism, and national integration, he called on all Nigerians to embrace peace and work together to build a stable and secure nation.

  • NOA kicks against proliferation of small and light weapons in A’Ibom

    NOA kicks against proliferation of small and light weapons in A’Ibom

    The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has intensified campaigns against the proliferation of small and light weapons in Akwa Ibom state.

    The agency said the situation was responsible for the alarming crime incidents in the state which lead to destruction of lives and violation of human rights.

    State Director of NOA, Mr. Mkpoutom Mkpoutom said this yesterday in Uyo while addressing reporters and members of the public .

    He said: “The proliferation of small arms and light weapons  poses a significant threat to national peace, security, and development. These weapons are often used to perpetuate  crimes of unimaginable magnitude and violation human rights which often leads to the destruction of countless lives and properties of unquantifiable value”.

    Mkpoutom noted that small arms refer to firearms designed for individual use, including pistols, rifles, and submachine guns (SMGs) while Light weapons encompass heavier weapons that can be carried by a small crew.

    He listed such as machine guns, mortars, and grenade launchers, adding that the accessibility and affordability of these weapons make them particularly dangerous as they are easily obtained by non-state actors, including criminal organizations and terrorist groups.

    Recognising the threat posed by proliferation of small arms and light weapons , he called on all relevant stakeholders and members of the public to support NOA in the campaign against the proliferation of small arms and light weapons in our society. 

    Mrs Nsidibe Udoette Head of Department of Community Safety, Awareness and  Compliance noted that proliferation contributes to organized crime, trafficking, and other illegal activities as well as undermining the rule of law among others. 

    Mrs Udoette added that small arms have been linked to numerous human rights abuses including targeted killings and gender-based violence which often leads to force displacement and the creation of humanitarian crises.

  • NOA applauds Kwara for erecting tallest flagpole in West Africa

    NOA applauds Kwara for erecting tallest flagpole in West Africa

    The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has lauded the Kwara state government for constructing West Africa’s tallest flagpole, a 70-meter structure embodying national pride, unity, and cultural heritage.

    NOA Director General, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, through the deputy director, communication and media, Paul Odenyi, emphasised its role in promoting patriotism and reflecting Nigeria’s diverse identity.

    Issa-Onilu, on X, noted that the flagpole, beyond its symbolic significance, is set to drive tourism, attract investment, and spur economic growth in Kwara, establishing the state as a key cultural and economic destination.

    Read Also: NSF: Kwara commission boss decries scattered event venues

    “As the agency responsible for promoting national values and orientation, we appreciate the Kwara State Government’s efforts in creating a landmark that showcases our nation’s rich cultural heritage and promotes socioeconomic development”, the statement reads.

    NOA reiterated its dedication to showcasing Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage globally.

  • NOA lauds JAMB’s transparency, urges further action on UTME errors

    NOA lauds JAMB’s transparency, urges further action on UTME errors

    The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has lauded the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) for its transparency and accountability in addressing challenges that followed the recently concluded 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

    This is contained in a statement on Thursday in Abuja by the Agency’s Deputy Director of Media and Communication, Mr Paul Odenyi.

    Odenyi said that the Director General of the Agency, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, lauded the Registrar of JAMB, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, for demonstrating integrity and courage that public leadership demanded.

    According to Issa-Onilu, this act of forthrightness is not only a testament to Oloyede’s personal values but also aligns with the principles of the National Values Charter (NVC).

    He noted that such act enjoined all public institutions to operate with the highest standards of transparency and accountability.

    He however stressed the need for JAMB to go a step further by initiating remedial measures that directly address the concerns of candidates, parents, and other stakeholders affected by the errors.

    “While recognition of mistakes is the first step, redemption and restitution are other necessary steps to be taken.

    “Having decided to provide another opportunity to the candidates as a way of redeeming the errors, it is imperative that JAMB considers appropriate compensation to mitigate the stress and anxiety these candidates may have suffered,” he said.

    The NOA director general reaffirmed the agency’s unwavering commitment to promoting a governance culture anchored in trust, integrity, and mutual respect between citizens and institutions.

    ”JAMB’s example should serve as a model for other public institutions. When institutions own up to their mistakes and act to correct them, they earn the respect and confidence of the people,” he said.

    Read Also: JAMB: Obi urges reform of public institutions

    Reflecting on the citizen codes under the NVC, he reiterated that leadership was a collective responsibility.

    ”Every citizen, whether in public service or private life, has a duty to uphold the core values of integrity, accountability, and transparency.

    “These values are not optional; they are the pillars of a just and equitable society,” he added.

    Issa-Onilu reiterated the resolve of the agency to continue its advocacy for responsible leadership and value-driven citizenship.

    He noted that the Agency’s campaign to entrench the ideals of the NVC across all levels of society would remain a central focus, as Nigeria strives toward a more ethical, inclusive, and responsible governance culture.

    (NAN)

  • UNICEF, NOA, Imo community step up fight against FGM

    UNICEF, NOA, Imo community step up fight against FGM

    The National Orientation Agency (NOA) in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has intensified efforts to combat Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).

    The Imo State Director NOA, Mrs. StellaMaris Demian-Igwe disclosed that they were working tirelessly and collaboratively with UNICEF, so as to eliminate the obnoxious practice.

    She  added that the rights and privileges  of the girl child must be protected and all hands must be on deck, so as to make the same a reality.

    According to her, “We must  rise and counter the ugly narratives of abuse of the rights of girls and women in our society.”

    Read Also: First Lady urges empathy, unity at Eid-el-Fitr

    Maris observed that the obnoxious practice comprises all procedures that involve altering or injuring the female genitalia for non-medical reasons and is recognised internationally as a violation of the human rights of girls and women.

    Demian-Igwe stressed that the non-medical practice reflects deep-rooted inequality between the sexes and constitutes an extreme form of discrimination against women and girls.

    She added that the practice violates their rights to health, security and physical integrity; their right to be free from torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment as well as their right to life when the procedure results in death. She, therefore, called for attitudinal change.

    She explained that the President Bola Tinubu-led administration promotes the abandonment of FGM with coordinated and systematic efforts.

    Through the Agency, Demian-Igwe said, the Federal Government engaged the grassroots communities and focused on human rights and gender equality. These efforts, she noted, emphasises societal dialogue and the empowerment of communities to act collectively to end the practice.

    She praised the Federal Government for addressing the sexual and reproductive health needs of women and girls who suffer from its consequences.

    The State Director hinted that the agency was working with relevant stakeholders, the media and community groups with the Organised Private Sector and partners to directly tackle consequences of FGM. The Director subsequently called for an end to the obnoxious act to protect the rights of girls and women.

    Speaking, a stakeholder and community leader in Obowo Local Government Area, Nze Lawson Mbakwe stressed that some communities in the area have embarked on sensitization of the rural populace which led to the near elimination of the practice within the various communities.

    According to him, the council has set up a mechanism to ensure the populace desists from this obnoxious practice.

    He said that the State government had domesticated the law, emphasizing that ignorance of the law is not an excuse.

    Mbakwe said that anyone operating outside the armpit of the law in this respect must face the full weight of the law.

    In his contribution,  a youth leader in the area, Morrison Iwu advised Nigerians against pressing or massaging a baby girl’s genitalia with vaseline, saying the practice was considered a harmful traditional practice.

     He explained the various forms of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence with emphasis on Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), particularly the disturbing trend of Type IV FGM: Unclassified.

    “This includes harmful procedures like piercing the clitoris, cauterization, cutting the vagina, and using corrosive substances,” he stated.

    He pointed out that there was now a shift from traditional cutting to alternative methods, emphasising the need for awareness and action.

    He explained that although touching the female genitalia with vaseline did not involve any form of cutting or bloodshed, it was still considered as FGM.

    “Any practice done to that area for non-medical purposes is seen as mutilation and a violation of the fundamental human rights of girls and women”.

    A representative of the local government, Hon. Mark urged survivors to speak out against this practice, stressing that survivors could lead the campaign effectively, and drawing from their personal experiences.

    He urged youths, particularly those who have survived Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), to join the Youth Anti-FGM Network in the state. By doing so, they’ll have access to a wealth of resources and capacity-building opportunities that will support their anti-FGM campaigns in their communities.