Africa
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.
“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)
12th October, 2024.
C.E.
Tags: National Orientation Agency NOA Tijjani Ahmad
