The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has urged stakeholders in Kogi to support a campaign promoting national values, public safety, and citizens’ awareness of government programmes.
By Stephen Adeleye
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has urged stakeholders in Kogi to support a campaign promoting national values, public safety, and citizens’ awareness of government programmes.
NOA’s Director-General, Malam Lanre Issa-Onilu, made the call on Thursday in Lokoja during a press conference and stakeholders’ engagement meeting.
Issa-Onilu was represented by Mrs Margaret Yenemi, NOA Deputy Director at the Department of Abuse, Rights and Narcotics.
He said the campaign would focus on five areas: government programmes, flood mitigation, security awareness, values re-orientation, and the Nigerian Identity Project.
Issa-Onilu explained that the campaign would highlight key government initiatives, including the NELFUND Student Loan Scheme, which has disbursed over N59 billion to more than 600,000 students.
The campaign will also stress the importance of following early warning advisories from NiMet and ensuring proper waste disposal to reduce flooding risks.
It aims to promote security awareness and community engagement, targeting at least three million Nigerians per state.
Issa-Onilu said it would further promote national values and discourage extreme graduation practices inconsistent with Nigerian traditions.
He added that patriotism and respect for national symbols, including the anthem, flag, and currency, would also be emphasised.
On social safety nets, Issa-Onilu noted that over two million households have been enrolled in the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) programme.
He said the Trader Moni and Farmer Moni schemes offer interest-free loans of up to N100,000 and N300,000, respectively.
According to him, 700 rural schools nationwide are being renovated under the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Fund to enhance educational facilities.
He disclosed that N110 billion has been allocated to support 150,000 youths nationwide under the National Youth Investment Fund (NYIF).
On disaster preparedness, Issa-Onilu said the Presidential Flood Mitigation directive approved N3 billion per state for drainage clearance and relocation efforts.
He added that the Armed Forces have deployed specialised units, drones, armoured vehicles, and surveillance technologies.
“Over 15,000 new security personnel have been deployed nationwide. The security awareness campaign will reach three million Nigerians per state,” he said.
Earlier, Kogi State Director of NOA, Mr Patrick Edogbanya, stressed the need for all Nigerians to embrace positive attitudinal change at every level.
He urged citizens to take personal responsibility, remain security conscious, secure their homes, report strange activities, know their neighbours, and build united communities.
“Every Nigerian must embrace positive change, reject shortcuts to wealth, and uphold diligence and integrity,” Edogbanya said.
Stakeholders, including security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and NGOs, commended NOA for the initiative and pledged support for the campaign.
They emphasised the importance of collaboration in advancing national values and improving security awareness.
Stakeholders present included the Police, NSCDC, Correctional Service, religious leaders, traditional rulers, NGOs, youth and women groups, and the Okada Association, among others. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)