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  • NOA Lagos kicks off sensitisation programme

    NOA Lagos kicks off sensitisation programme

    The National Orientation Agency (NOA), Lagos State has announced a two-week awareness programme aimed at creating security consciousness and fighting the dangers of the get-rich-quick syndrome.

    The agency’s State Director, Dr. Mustafa Tukur, announced this at a news conference at Dopemu, Lagos on Monday.

    He said there was the need for every Nigerian to be security conscious at this time of the year because of the upcoming yuletide  when from experience, the rate of crime always goes up at this time. Another part of the programmes, he said, was to educate the youth. “We are trying to ensure that people are properly educated on the dangers of getting involved in this illicit trade and artistry,’’ he said.

    At the programme the World Aids Day, held last Monday, and upcoming Human Rights Days on December10 would also commemorate.

    The events, which kick off today, would be held at the state and local governments. It would involve a walk, talk and roadshows, among others.

    Among those to be involved in the programme are traditional rulers, community leaders, clerics, parents and artisans.There would be visits to schools, parks, and markets, among others.

    Tukur added: “So, we need to talk to them. The traditional adults are also parents. So, we need to engage them so that if they join hands with us, we can fight this cause together. Nobody is just a member. They do not decide that. They are also children of people. So, we are doing this at a larger scale. It won’t end here. So, we are going to involve the parents and everybody.

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    “One thing people tend to push away is the importance of hard work. Can you tell us how important it is to work hard? See, when you look at it, even in a young generation, one of our core values is hard work and the duty of the people. We want to make sure that people believe in their hard work. And people believe in themselves. We have been saying this for years. That is why we are also going to have our traditional institutions. It is on record that most of our youth are engaged in Yahoo and other cyber clients. That is why we want to engage them as youths. They must be focused and believe in their future. So that is why we are talking to them. And we are reminding them that that is part of our national core value as well.’’

    Tukur urged the media to assist it during the programmes, saying that we are partners in progress. “Our strength lies with the media,’’ he added.

    At the conference were the Deputy Director, Programmes, NOA, Osun State, Stephen Adefarasin; Deputy Director, Finance and Account, NOA, Lagos, Mrs Omowunmi Echioda; Deputy Director, Planning, Research and Strategy, Mr Oluyemo Cosmas; Deputy Director, Programmes, Mrs Aishat Tiamiyu; and Deputy Director, Programmes (Local Government), Mrs Clara Obi.

    Others were Deputy Director, Programmes, Local Government, Mr Mohammed Abdulahi and his counterpart, Aroyewu Gbolahan.

  • NOA, NPC, UNICEF begin e-birth registration for children

    NOA, NPC, UNICEF begin e-birth registration for children

    The National Orientation Agency (NOA), in collaboration with the National Population Commission (NPC) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has launched a digital registration initiative to register birth of children aged zero to five years.

    The announcement was made at a press briefing on Electronic Civic Registration and Vital Statistics, held at the Lagos NOA Directorate office and attended by key stakeholders, including Oba of Shasha Kingdom, Alimosho, HRM Babatunde Akinlowo, and representatives from various community groups.

    Highlighting the significance of birth registration, the NOA Director-General, Lanre Issa-Onilu, represented by Director of Special Duties and State Operations, David Akoji, said birth registration is the first legal acknowledgment of a child’s existence, essential for safeguarding their rights and privileges.

    Read Also: Terrorists kill 13 vigilantes, abduct commuters in Niger

    Issa-Onilu explained that the collaboration with the NPC and UNICEF aims to ensure every child’s access to education, healthcare, and essential services.

    He encouraged parents and guardians to visit the nearest NPC registration centers, where children will receive a National Identification Number (NIN) upon completion of the registration.

  • NOA urges Nigerians to promote national unity, values

    NOA urges Nigerians to promote national unity, values

    The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has tasked Nigerians to champion the cause of promoting national values to foster patriotism, unity and development in the country.

    The Director of the agency in Jigawa, Tijjani Ahmad, said this at the inauguration of the nationwide campaign on Nigeria’s National Values Charter and National Anthem, on Friday in Dutse.

    He said the exercise focused at promoting national unity, patriotism and shared values among Nigerians.

    According to Ahmad, the campaign to be run between October and December, seeks to address challenges bedevilling Nigeria’s national consciousness through reinvigorating the spirit of unity, patriotism and national pride.

    He the problem resulted to growing distrust in government institutions, diminish loyalty and eroded patriotism.

    The campaign,  he said, was designed to reinforce loyalty to the nation, promote civic responsibility and inculcate national values in youths.

    Read Also: Educate Nigerians on dangers of drug abuse, Reps tells NDLEA, NOA

    “The agency will partner with media organisations to disseminate the message of national reorientation.

    “The National Values Charter was divided into two sections, where the first include; equality, democracy, entrepreneurship, peace and security, inclusivity, freedom and justice, and meritocracy.

    “The second charter is the Citizen’s Code, consisting of seven-point obligations of citizens such as discipline, duty of care, tolerance, respect, leadership, patriotism and transparency.

    “Others are accountability, and integrity, family values and environmental awareness, dignity of labour, resilience, and self-reliance,” he said.

    Also, Mr Williams Dogo, the Director of Legal Services of the agency, urged Nigerians to participate in the campaign and embrace the values enshrined in the National Anthem and the National Values Charter by working together to build a stronger and more prosperous nation.

    Dogo said the Federal Government had approved the first stanza of the national anthem to be rendered at all official functions.

    He said the three stanzas would be for special occasions, such as Independence Day, Democracy Day and inauguration of the National Assembly.

    “Similarly, the Federal Executive Council approved adoption of the third stanza of the new national anthem as the new national prayer.

    “This aims to promote unity and motivate patriotism amongst Nigerians,” he said.

    He, therefore, urged Nigerians to familiarise themselves with the correct lyrics, and embrace other symbols of national identity.

    (NAN)

  • Educate Nigerians on dangers of drug abuse, Reps tells NDLEA, NOA

    Educate Nigerians on dangers of drug abuse, Reps tells NDLEA, NOA

    In anticipation of the 2024 International Day of the Girl Child on Friday, October 11, the House of Representatives on Thursday, October 10, called on the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the National Orientation Agency (NOA), and other relevant stakeholders to collaborate with schools, community organizations, and religious institutions to raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse.

    The initiative aims to promote a drug-free lifestyle and provide rehabilitation options for those affected.

    During a special session dedicated to the girl child, Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, briefly stepped aside, allowing Miss Isabel Anani, a young girl, to preside over the plenary. This gesture was designed to inspire and encourage girls to take on leadership roles.

    The House also urged the Federal Ministry of Education to create practical strategies, such as mobile education units or community outreach programs, to reduce the number of out-of-school girls across Nigeria’s 36 states.

    In a motion of urgent public importance marking the 2024 International Day of the Girl Child, the House requested the leadership of the National Assembly to amend the Child Rights Act to provide stronger protection for sexually abused children.

    They also called for legislative support, including budgetary approvals, to ensure that the concerned Ministries can address these issues.

    The House also emphasised the importance of domesticating the Child Rights Act nationwide through collaboration with the Conference of Speakers.

    It also asked the leadership of the National Assembly to ensure the swift passage of Bills that seek to protect women and girls like the Gender and Equal Opportunities Bill (GEOB).

    Ogbara said that International Day of the Girl Child is a day adopted by the United Nations to remind young girls of their uniqueness, strength, and prowess is set aside to address issues such as early or child marriage, violence against girls, rape, child molestation, education deprivation, nutrition, legal rights and all the other problems faced by girls and to support more opportunities for girls and increase awareness for gender inequality.

    According to her, more than 1.1 billion girls are poised to take on the future, adding that every day, girls are breaking boundaries and barriers; tackling issues posed by stereotypes and exclusion, including those directed at children with disabilities and those living in marginalised communities.

    She stressed that the protection of the girl child is crucial for sustaining the continuity of mankind as they grow into women and mothers who not only shape the future generation but the trajectory of nations.

    She said further that gender discrimination is a global phenomenon that has engulfed many Nations of the world due to patriarchy and cultural stereotypes, while other nations have made giant strides in closing the gender gap, Nigeria is still grappling with these issues, starting from access to education, healthcare and access to basic amenities.

    She said that despite Nigeria being a signatory to the Convention of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), Conventions on Child’s Rights and many others, harmful practices like Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) are still being practised in some parts of the country which is a direct violation of human rights of women and girls.

    She said further that recent analysis shows that girls are not only courageous in the face of crisis, but hopeful for the future, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO) children growing into adolescents, especially between the ages of 10 to 19 have limited knowledge about the natural processes of puberty, sexual health, pregnancy or reproduction.

    She said: “This period of their lives is a period of rapid development of knowledge and skills, learning to manage emotions, and relationships, acquiring attributes and abilities that will be necessary for enjoying the adolescent years and assuming adult roles.

    “When they are sexually abused at this sensitive season of their lives, it affects their growth and development and their overall well-being, leading them to become dysfunctional adults in some instances, due to psychological and mental trauma”.

    She expressed worries about the disheartening high number of out-of-school girls engaged in drug abuse; current data indicates that Nigeria has an estimated 10.5 million out-of-school children who are also users of hard drugs

    The Lagos lawmaker said the presence of such a vast number of uneducated youth not only jeopardises their future but also poses a threat to the nation’s security and socio-economic stability, adding that if deliberate efforts are not taken to address the challenges and intentionally to protect the girl child, the country would be at risk of raising dysfunctional mothers who are meant to be protectors of the home, society, and the future.

    Miss Anani who presided over the special session which lasted for about 20 minutes said: “Today marks a very important day in the lives of girls all around the world. It is a constant reminder of how far we have come and how much progress we are willing to make as Nigerians.

    “For me, I envision a future where every girl regardless of where she comes from has an opportunity to flourish. Where education isn’t seen as a high pedestal privilege, but as an essential tool to equip girls to make important decisions that affect them and ultimately the places they come from.

    “According to the UN, Nearly | in 5 girls are still not completing lower-secondary and nearly 4 in 10 girls are not completing upper-secondary school today, as if that isn’t concerning enough, they are at risk of harassment and the “‘what ifs” that are associated with violence which simply should not exist.

    “I want a future where we don’t have to combat all the overwhelming experiences of childhood and adolescence alone. Where girls aren’t discriminated against because of their bodily functions, and are encouraged when they want to take firm hold of the mantle in places like STEM and politics and feel safe, feel wanted. As an aspiring woman in STEM, I know what it is like to be the only girl in male-dominated spaces. However, I don’t want to be the only girl, I want to be one of many.

    Read Also: NDLEA arrests Canadian woman over drugs importation

    “I want a future where the healthcare system for girls isn’t discriminated against due to the sociocultural factors that so wrongfully exist. Girls are breaking boundaries and barriers posed by stereotypes and exclusion, including living with disabilities and in marginalised communities in their ways regardless of what society says.

    “Now more than ever, we need girls to combat problems of climate change, political conflict, economic degeneration, diseases, and global unrest. We need to ensure that for every girl, there is; Access to healthcare that protects her and understands her needs. Access to quality education that enables her to reach her potential.

    “Safety from Violence and Harmful Practices that affect her physically, emotionally, and mentally. How would she take charge when she lives in constant fear? How does she dream when she is worried about what her next meal might be?

    “Most importantly, she needs support because we all have a role to play. The good thing is that we are halfway there and every day, a step closer to achieving these goals. Also, there isn’t just one solution, but hundreds. There isn’t just one girl to talk to, but millions. For us to continue at this steady progression, we mustn’t just provide her a seat at the table, but we must make sure she stays there and feels like she can conquer.”

  • NOA begins campaign on national anthem, values charter

    NOA begins campaign on national anthem, values charter

    • Reps to agency: ensure effective marketing of govt policies

    The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has announced the commencement of a three-month statewide sensitisation and public enlightenment campaign on Nigeria’s National Anthem and National Values Charter.

    The agency’s Enugu State Director, Mrs. Clara Nwachukwu, announced this while addressing reporters yesterday in Enugu.

    She said the commencement of the implementation of National Values Charter in the state was meant to foster moral, ethical and cultural reawakening among Nigerians, beginning with the state.

    “The aim of the programme is to reorientate and redirect Nigerians, regardless of class, ethnicity, or religion towards the values and principles that have long been associated with our culture and have been the foundation of our institutions and society.

    Read Also: NOA, UNICEF launches birth registration

    “The introduction of the new National Anthem and the National Values Charter ushers in an important milestone for national pride and identity. This action reflects the changing ideals and aspirations of the nation.

    “Values may be defined as accepted principles or standard of behaviour that are used to characterise individuals and societies,” she said.

    Mrs. Nwachukwu urged Enugu State residents to hold tenaciously to the nation’s core values of love, patriotism, resilience, courage, dignity of labour, respect for the sanctity of life, belief in the family as a basic unit of society, justice, fairness, care for the environment, among others.

    Also, the House of Representatives yesterday urged the NOA to increase its visibility across the country and put out more engaging content for projecting government policies to Nigerians.

    The Green Chamber directed the agency to enlighten the citizens on government programmes, especially those that would be beneficial to them.

    The House urged the government to review budgetary allocations to agency in line with current realities to enable it carry out successful re-orientation of the citizens.

    In a resolution following a motion on notice by Adewale Hammed (APC, Lagos), the Green Chamber directed its relevant committees to collaborate with stakeholders, including the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), traditional institutions, religious bodies, community leaders, civil society organisations (CSOs), and the media to amplify outreach efforts and enhance the effectiveness of public enlightenment campaigns for the holistic development of our beloved country.

    It also mandate the Committees on Information, National Orientation, Ethics and Values to conduct a thorough oversight and recommend appropriate measures that would enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the agency for improved service delivery.

  • NOA, UNICEF launches birth registration

    NOA, UNICEF launches birth registration

    National Orientation Agency (NOA) in partnership with the National Population Commission (NPC) and UNICEF has launched a nationwide birth registration social mobilisation drive.

    This entails that every child in Nigeria has access to essential services like education, healthcare and social protection while the programme is targeted at children aged 0-5 years, providing them with a National Identification Number (NIN) free of charge.

    Director General, National Orientation Agency, Mallam Lanre Isa, who was represented by the Director Child Special Duties and State operation, Mr. David Akuto, stated this in Makurdi at the launch of a one-day state advocacy and press conference campaign on the importance of birth registration organised by the National Orientation Agency (NOA) State Directorate partnership with UNICEF and urged the media and other stakeholders to sensitise parents on the need to present their children to the nearest offices for capturing.

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    Addressing the stakeholders, State Federal Commissioner of NPC, Mrs Patricia Kupchi said fifty two thousand children between the ages of zero and five in the State have been registered so far.

    Mrs. Kupchi, who said with the available data,  Benue was in the lead of the ongoing registration exercise, however, expressed worry that over two hundred thousand children were yet to be captured, pointing out that the essence of the exercise was to give the children identity and help the government to plan better for their welfare.

    In a remark, State Director, NOA, Idoko called on relevant stakeholders to intensify advocacy to the nooks and crannies of the state and commended UNICEF for its partnership while suing for sustenance.

    Ter Makurdi, Chief Vincent Aule represented by Chief Simon Ugondo-Tov and a humanitarian activist, Mr Ukan Kurugh, promised to take the message to the grassroots for coverage of the ongoing exercise through their media platforms.

  • NOA, PTAD collaborate to enhance grassroots’ sensitisation

    NOA, PTAD collaborate to enhance grassroots’ sensitisation

    The National Orientation Agency (NOA) and Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD) have agreed to work together to embark on grassroots sensitisation on pension.

    NOA Director-General, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu and a team, led by the Executive Secretary PTAD, Dr. Chioma Ejikeme, met at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja to leverage the NOA’s proven platforms to promote pension.

    The DG of NOA, Mallam Issa-Onilu, expressed happiness that the Directorate had approached the right agency with the mandate, competence, structure and capabilities to conduct grassroots sensitization across the country.

    Read Also: FG to introduce ‘Citizenship Studies’ as core subject in schools – NOA

    He emphasised the importance of supporting pensioners, highlighting their significant contributions to the nation. Retirement, he noted, is a privilege, and those who enjoy it must receive the necessary support.

    He also shared the new platforms the agency has introduced for MDAs to communicate their activities effectively to Nigerians, including the Explainer, the Mobiliser, the agency’s robust database with diverse demographic data, and the upcoming television and radio stations. He further stated the imminent launch of the National Value Charter.

    The PTAD chief appreciated the DG for providing valuable platforms and making them available for their use to serve Nigerians better.

  • NOA gets seven-day deadline

    NOA gets seven-day deadline

    National  Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has urged  National Orientation Agency (NOA) to give account of  funds allocated to it.

    A statement by NANS Senate Clerk, Oladimeji Uthman, asked the agency  to provide an account of funds disbursed to the agency for programmes, operational expenses, and administrative costs.

    It said failure to comply with will result in protests by students and investigation by Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    Read Also: NOA, DHQ partner on values reorientation

    “We call on director general of NOA to address grievances and concerns regarding the agency’s financial practices. In line with President Bola Tinubu vision, transparency and accountability are principles to be upheld, including management of public funds..’’.

    “Failure to adhere to these demands will result in coordinated protests and demonstrations by Nigerian students across the country, demanding justice, accountability, and transparency from the National Orientation Agency.

  • NOA, DHQ partner on values reorientation

    NOA, DHQ partner on values reorientation

    The National Orientation Agency (NOA) and the Defence Headquarters have agreed to partner in the national value reorientation of citizens including the military.

    This was the outcome of a meeting between the Director General of NOA, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, and the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa held at the DHQ.

    Issa-Onilu in a statement by the agency explained its mandates and highlighted its programmes aimed at modernizing its structures by establishing twenty-first-century platforms accessible to all arms of government and agencies.

    The statement signed by Paul Odenyi, Deputy Director, Media, NOA also reiterated its commitment to ensuring that the National Value Charter (NVC) catalyzes substantial societal change.

    The statement reads in part: “Recognizing the pivotal role of the military in shaping the nation’s history, Mallam Issa Onilu emphasized the importance of collaboration in creating institutions that instill in citizens a clear understanding of Nigerian values.

    “He reiterated NOA’s commitment to ensuring that the National Value Charter (NVC) serves as more than rhetoric, but rather as a catalyst for substantial societal change.

    “Acknowledging that youths constitute over 70% of Nigeria’s population, the Director General advocated for youth-centric policies tailored to address their needs.

    Read Also: NOA chief recommends social orientation for youth to overcome insecurity

    “Among the programmes the Agency is embarking on are: Implementation of nationalism studies from primary to tertiary levels. Launching a 37,000 Citizens’ Brigade aimed at fostering model citizenship. Incorporating local content in cartoon characters to instil Nigerian values in children aged 1-12, promoting respect for elders, one another, and the military.

    “Additionally, the DG briefed Gen. CG Musa on upcoming training sessions for first-class and second-class kings across Nigeria in peace and conflict resolution.

    “In response, Gen. Christopher Gwabin Musa assured NOA of the Nigeria Defense’s full support, emphasizing the long-awaited nature of the agency’s programmes. He advocated for the armed forces’ involvement in the planning committee, citing their historical wealth of knowledge.

    “The Chief of Defense Staff stressed the significance of national pride, urging positive narratives about Nigeria in the creative industry and the incorporation of Nigerian symbolic monuments into souvenirs.

    “He emphasized that achieving peace requires a multifaceted approach, with the military being just one aspect.”

  • NOA chief recommends social orientation for youth to overcome insecurity

    NOA chief recommends social orientation for youth to overcome insecurity

    National Orientation Agency (NOA) on Thursday, December 7, said the current security challenges in the country were caused by the collapse of societal values and loss of identity.

    The Director General of the agency Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu said this in Ilorin, Kwara state capital at a book presentation.

    Mallam Issa-Onilu therefore recommended social orientation for the youths to overcome the numerous social vices and insecurity challenges bedeviling the country.

    He said: “We are a youthful country. By that, I meant the demographics of our country. About 72 percent of our population is below the age of 35. In other words, not less than 165 million of our estimated 220 million population are within the Gen Z and the millennials. We can see that the most critical challenge we face is orienting our youths to be the best of us.

    “More than any time in the life of our nation, the government, our traditional institutions, community leaders, and the clerics must rise to face the future of Nigeria.

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    “In a constantly evolving world, we must help our youth navigate the complexities of social relationships and interactions.

    “Today’s youth are not tomorrow’s leaders; they already lead in many endeavours. The sad reality is that they are leading without guidance. The leaders of yesterday abandoned the ship even when they did not nurture the youths with the right values.  We are now in a society where our youths, ill-equipped due to no faults of theirs, are the change-makers, the innovators, and the torchbearers of our society.

    “Like in many other countries, youth in Nigeria are often associated with prevalent social vices. These vices can be attributed to various factors, including poverty, unemployment, lack of education, cultural norms, peer pressure, and societal influence.”

    Represented by the Kwara state Director of NOA, Olusegun Adeyemi, the agency chief added: “To address these security threats, tackling the root causes of youth idleness and lack of training is crucial. This requires effective policies to reduce unemployment, provide skill training, and improve educational opportunities.

    “The good news is that it is not too late to redirect the ship. Therefore, our collective responsibility is to provide the youths with the necessary skills and values to succeed and thrive in a diverse and interconnected world.”