The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris has received a blueprint for the National Value Charter also known as the National Lifestyle Charter.
Idris while receiving the reports said the absence of values, and of a consensus around national values has led to the elevation of immorality into a national lifestyle.
He said what the government is doing now is building on what has come before, importantly, they are serious about learning from the shortcomings of the approaches of the past, and ensuring that they do stand the test of time.
“We are determined to define and document the core values that will guide all of us as Nigerians, irrespective of tribe, religion, social and economic status and all other real or imagined barriers and differences.
“We are also very much aware of the dynamism of the human experience, the fact that, especially in a technology-driven and borderless world, cultures and attitudes will evolve with time. And yet, even with these inevitable changes, the most important human values remain timeless and enduring.
“The premise of the National Values Charter is that the government, as represented by elected and appointed representatives, must fulfil basic non-negotiable promises—in return for fundamental commitments from the citizens,” the minister added.
In his address, the Director General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu said the National Values Charter will catalyse national unity and evolve a people with a commonality of characteristics, aspirations and a sense of nationalism and pride for their country.
He said the draft document points the direction of the nation in terms of values orientation.
“These national values are time-tested precepts that have guided our people and societies for centuries. However, we have not made any conscious effort in the past to aggregate our various sub-national values and cultures to evolve a national culture that will guide our lifestyle as a people.
“To move from our various divides and sectional affiliations to see ourselves as Nigerians, we must establish and promote shared values that reflect our differences and unify us.
“We must seek to build a nation where values are the same and common sentiments underpin national aspirations. Establishing the Charter is essential in this critical journey of renewed hope.
“The National Lifestyle Charter is a social contract between the country and its citizens. The Charter consists of two components: the Nigerian Promise and the Citizen Codes. The Nigerian Promise consists of seven overarching duties of our country towards all citizens.
“In contrast, the corresponding Citizen Codes consist of seven commitments of citizens towards each other and the country. One of the Citizen Codes is Duty of Care, which places a responsibility of mutual care on the citizens and promotes a sense of service to the nation, its institutions, systems, and people.
“The Charter seeks to foster an everlasting embrace between the country and its citizens driven by a seven-for-seven contract,” Issa-Onilu explained.