NOA begins campaign on national anthem, values charter in Niger

The National Orientation Agency (NOA) in Niger State has announced the commencement of a statewide sensitization and public enlightenment campaign on Nigeria’s National Anthem and National Values Charter.

Malam Yahaya Gbongbo, the State Director of NOA, made the announcement during a press conference in Minna on Thursday, stating that the campaign aims to promote national unity, patriotism, and shared values among Nigerians.

“The campaign, which will run from October to December 2024, focuses on the National Anthem and the National Values Charter,” he said.

Gbongbo noted that Nigeria’s national consciousness has faced challenges in recent years, including growing distrust in government institutions, diminishing loyalty to the state, and eroding patriotism.

He explained that the campaign seeks to address these issues by reinvigorating the spirit of unity, patriotism, and national pride across the country.

The key elements of the campaign, he added, are to reinforce loyalty to the nation, promote civic responsibility, inculcate national values in the youth, engage Nigerians in the diaspora, and leverage the power of the media.

According to him, the agency will partner with media organizations to disseminate the message of national reorientation.

He also noted that the National Values Charter is divided into two sections: the Nigerian Promise, which includes seven core promises made by the country, represented by elected leaders.

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He listed these promises as equality, democracy, entrepreneurship, peace and security, inclusivity, freedom and justice, and meritocracy.

Gbongbo further explained that the second section of the charter is the Citizen’s Code, which outlines seven obligations for citizens, such as discipline, duty of care, tolerance and respect, leadership and patriotism, and transparency.

Other obligations, according to him, include accountability, integrity, family values, environmental awareness, dignity of labor, resilience, and self-reliance.

He urged citizens to participate in the campaign, embracing the values enshrined in the National Anthem and the National Values Charter to work together in building a stronger and more prosperous nation.

Gbongbo called for partnerships with religious leaders, traditional rulers, civil society organizations, the private sector, and the media to ensure the campaign’s success.

In his remarks, the Deputy Director of Programs at the agency, Malam Bala Musa, emphasized that the campaign aims to instill attitudinal and behavioral change among Nigerians to overcome the challenges confronting the country.