The Federal Government is set to launch the National Values Charter, an initiative aimed at fostering moral, ethical, and cultural reawakening across Nigeria. This was announced by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, who reaffirmed the government’s commitment to instill the right values, attitudes, and perspectives in the hearts and minds of Nigerians. The announcement was made during the opening ceremony of the expanded retreat of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) in Abuja on Wednesday.
Idris emphasized that the National Values Charter, one of the flagship initiatives of his ministry through the NOA, has been meticulously crafted to ensure that citizens are well-informed of their constitutional rights and protections. Equally important, the Charter seeks to remind governments at all levels of their constitutionally-guaranteed obligations to the citizenry.
“The Charter’s first objective,” Idris explained, “is to ensure that every Nigerian is aware of their rights under the constitution, as well as the protections granted by the laws of the land. It also ensures that governments, both at the federal and state levels, are conscious of the obligations they owe to their people. This is encapsulated in the seven (7) ‘Core Promises’ section of the Charter.”
He further added, “The second objective focuses on sensitizing Nigerians to their civic responsibilities. Every citizen must be aware of their duties, not just to one another but also to the government and the nation as a whole. This is captured in the seven (7) ‘Commitments’ outlined in the Charter.”
The Minister expressed his confidence in the Charter’s ability to build a country where mutual love and respect between citizens and the nation are paramount. He pledged that the government would press forward boldly with the implementation of this initiative, ensuring it serves as a catalyst for national unity and collective progress.
Idris commended the Director-General of NOA, Mr. Lanre Issa-Onilu, for his innovative leadership, particularly in integrating technology into the Agency’s operations. “Under Issa-Onilu’s leadership, the NOA has embraced modern technology, which has been instrumental in scaling up public awareness and engagement. Initiatives like The Mobiliser App and an Artificial Intelligence platform for civic awareness have ensured that NOA is one of the most tech-savvy agencies in Nigeria today.”
The Minister further lauded the Director-General for leveraging digital tools to enhance the Agency’s outreach and feedback mechanisms, which are essential in today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world.
Describing the retreat as a crucial milestone, Idris said it provides another opportunity to refine the vision and intensify the NOA’s efforts to advance Nigeria’s progress. “This retreat is a vital step in our journey toward shaping a brighter and more united future for Nigeria,” he noted.
The National Values Charter is seen as a significant instrument in shaping the country’s national narratives, promoting unity in diversity, and fostering a sense of inclusiveness and belonging among Nigerians. It aims to reignite a sense of patriotism and shared responsibility, ensuring that every citizen contributes meaningfully to the nation’s development.
