Why we want National Value Charter principles integrated in school curriculum – FG

The Federal Government has said that full integration of the principles of National Value Charter in the school curriculum across the country, would help in inculcating the values of good citizenship in the nation’s youths right from the school.

This was stated by the Director General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mallam Lanre Issa -Onilu, at a youth reorientation programme organized by the office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Citizenship and Leadership in collaboration with his agency for secondary school students in Ogun, held at the June 12 Cultural Center,on Tuesday,in Abeokuta.

At the programme tagged, “Engaging and Empowering Youths: The Next Generation Project” Issa -Onilu, represented by the State Director of NOA, Mrs Olufunke Salako, encouraged the youths to participate in community projects and get involved in local initiatives that promote social change.

He harped on the need for Nigerians to see the nation’s diversity as a strength and strive, and worked more on the things that can unite the nation than things that could divide it.

Issa -Onilu added, “I urge each of you to embrace your roles as citizens and leaders. Engage with NOA’s National Identity Project as a tool for self-discovery and community connection.

” Remember, your actions today will pave the way for a brighter future for all of us.
Together, let’s build a society that values citizenship, celebrates diversity, and inspires leadership.

“The journey ahead may be challenging, but it is also filled with opportunity. You have the power to make a difference, and I can’t wait to see the incredible impact you will have.”

In her welcome address, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Citizenship and Leadership, Ms Aderinsola Abiola, called on the youth to take active participation in the political process and strive to undertake community services.

She equally encouraged them to join the public service towards contribution to nation building, and also asked them to engage in meaningful use of the social media in order to emerge as responsible adults.

The SSA said, ” I would encourage you all to take concepts such as democracy and nation building seriously, as leadership plays a key role in shaping the future of any country.

“You must aim to become active citizens who contribute to national development by fulfilling civic obligations like voting once you come of age, and also participate in community development efforts and other beneficial activities.”

In his contribution, the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission,Mr Ola Olukoyede represented by the Head, Public Affairs, EFCC, Lagos State, Mr Ayo Oyewole, lamented the high rate of youths involvement in cyber crime, saying there is no doubt that the future belongs to the youth, but challenge them to work towards having a better society.

While saying that Nigeria must do everything possible to stop cyber crime, the EFCC boss while encouraging the youths to generate money through legitimate means on the Internet also enjoined the youths to develop self worth and resist the dangers of corruption at all cost.

Similarly, the Ogun State Commissioner for Sports Development, Hon. Wasiu Isiaka, admonished the younger generation to seek for role models of substance that can add value to their lives.

The Deputy State Commander, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, (NDLEA)in Ogun State, Mrs.Ekwu Eucharia, while speaking on the “Dangers of Substance Abuse,” also encouraged the youths to develop critical thinking and learning in order to take informed decisions.

She identified abuse of drugs to include factors such as peer pressure, unemployment and economic frustration, low self esteem, emotional and psychological stress amongst others.