***Embarks on sensitization, Value reo-orientation across LGAs
By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja.
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has called on Nigerians to be abreast of the renewed National Anthem, internalize and believe in it for desired impact on the national psyche to imbibe and believe in the nation’s unity in diversity.
Director General of NOA, Malam Issa Onilu disclosed this at a National Press Conference On Nationwide Sensitisation On National Anthem and National Values Charter on Wednesday in Lokoja.
Onilu said the Agency had embarked on a nationwide programme to build attitudes, to let people know the significance of the national anthem, to internalize it and to believe it.
He said that the renewed National Anthem, beautiful as the lyrics are and as rich as it is, “if you do not believe in what you are singing and you are just singing with a beautiful voice, it does not make sense.
“So the national anthem summarily is trying to let Nigerians know that these national symbols are there to make us know that we are united as one Nigeria, irrespective of where we come from within Nigeria and the language that we speak.
The DG represented by Mr Patrick Edogbanya, Acting State Director, Kogi Directorate, said, “What the national anthem, which holds us as one, is saying, is that we are one. We are united, one Nigeria. So, we must internalize this.
“The press will have to help us to ensure that every Nigerian does not just sing it and then make a mockery of it, but sing it and believe in it. It is when we believe in it that we practice what it says.
“And if we are saying, oh, we are not going to follow what is expected, we are still bringing ourselves down. Where is the patriotism? Where is the patriotism?”, he queried.
Director of Programmes, Pastor Augustine Mayowa Ogbonnikan, in his presentation on the “Value Charter Seven-for-Seven”, said the aim was to among others, address the diminishing patriotism, loyalty and value re-orientation.
Ogbonnikan pointed out that over time now, there had been a steady erosion of fundamental values like discipline, honesty, integrity, patriotism, hard work, respect which were hitherto, traditionally known in our society.
He added that in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration that “We must build Nigerians to build Nigeria”, NOA as an agency of the government, believes there is need for value reo-orienration as part of the rebuilding process.
To achieve this, we need to promote a national value system that will guide the behavior of both leaders and the citizens adding that previous obligations were only on the citizens with no responsibility on the side of government.
The Value Charter, he said provides for dual sets of obligations on the part of the government and the citizens compressed into two major components “The Nigerian Promise
and The Citizens’ Code or Commitment” each with seven pillars.
The seven pillars of the Nigerian Promise include Equality,Democracy, Entrepreneurship and Employment,Peace and Security,Inclusivity, Freedom and Justice and Meritocracy.
Pillars of the Citizens’ Code which explains the fundamental values and obligations expected of citizens everywhere include Discipline, Duty to Care, Tolerance and Respect, Leadership, Transparency, Environmental Awarenessand Resilience. (Ends)