The Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Lanre Issa-Onilu, has urged staff of the Federal Ministry of Finance to treat Nigeria’s national symbols with the highest level of respect, describing their preservation and proper use as a sacred civic responsibility essential to fostering patriotism, national identity, and unity.
Issa-Onilu made the call during a sensitization and training workshop on the promotion of Nigeria’s national symbols and the National Identity Project held in Abuja. He stressed that patriotism and strict adherence to the National Values Charter remain fundamental to building a united, peaceful, and prosperous nation.
Speaking on the National Identity Project, which is anchored on the National Values Charter, the NOA Director-General explained that the initiative was introduced to strengthen national cohesion by establishing a social contract that clearly defines the responsibilities of both government and citizens. According to him, the Charter seeks to rebuild trust between citizens and public institutions, promote accountability, encourage responsible citizenship, and foster a shared commitment to Nigeria’s collective progress.
Issa-Onilu noted that the National Values Charter is designed to inspire a renewed sense of national purpose by promoting values such as integrity, discipline, hard work, respect for the rule of law, and love for the country. He emphasized that sustainable national development can only be achieved when both government and citizens faithfully uphold their respective obligations.
In a statement issued by the Director of Communication and Media of the Agency, Bala Musa, the NOA boss highlighted several initiatives already undertaken to institutionalize the Charter across the country. These include a global reputation management campaign aimed at improving Nigeria’s image internationally, strategic partnerships to promote value-based cartoon content that instills positive morals in children, and collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Education to develop a national values curriculum for secondary schools.
He explained that these initiatives form part of the Agency’s broader strategy to promote ethical leadership, responsible citizenship, and a culture of national pride among Nigerians, particularly the younger generation.
In his remarks, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to advancing the objectives of the National Identity Project. He announced plans to appoint National Symbols Ambassadors within the Ministry to champion awareness campaigns and promote respect for Nigeria’s national symbols among members of staff.
The Minister also disclosed that the Ministry would obtain sensitization materials from the National Orientation Agency to educate its workforce on the National Values Charter and deepen understanding of the responsibilities associated with responsible citizenship.
Participants at the workshop received practical demonstrations on the proper rendition of the National Anthem, the correct display and use of the Nigerian Flag, and the protocols guiding the use of other national symbols. They were also sensitized on the principles and objectives of the National Values Charter, with facilitators emphasizing the importance of embracing national values as a foundation for unity, good governance, and sustainable national development.
