By Fatima Saka
Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, the Director General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), has highlighted the urgent need for institutions to nurture patriotism and instill national values.
He made this call during a Town Hall Meeting and media parley held on Tuesday in Abuja.
During the event, the DG outlined the National Identity Project, endorsed by the National Executive Council (NEC), which includes the following components:
• National Values Charter
• The Nigerian Promise (featuring seven core commitments)
• Citizens’ Codes (with seven commitments)
• 7 for 7 Initiative
• Institutionalization Policies
Mallam Issa-Onilu emphasized the absence of structured institutions to guide children and youth in developing a sense of citizenship and patriotism. He lamented the exposure of Nigerian children to foreign influences without local models or systems to anchor them in Nigerian values.
He explained: “Children are left to navigate an environment with no guidance because institutions to nurture them are missing. Naturally, they look to foreign models for inspiration. The result is a generation seeking heroes in places where negative influences often outweigh positive ones. This vacuum leaves young Nigerians without clear concepts of citizenship or identity.”
He noted that nations like the United States and France have defined their national identity through deliberate efforts. For example:
In the U.S., the American Dream emphasizes liberty, happiness, and exceptionalism, shaping the values of its citizens.
In France, national identity is closely tied to family and fashion, with deliberate structures promoting these values.
Speaking on the challenge of defining Nigerian identity, Mallam Issa-Onilu posed a thought-provoking question: “Who is a Nigerian? How do we define who we are? While ethnic groups like the Yoruba have cultural markers such as ‘Omoluabi’ (a term symbolizing virtuous living), we lack a unifying national identity.”
He argued that without a cohesive national identity, Nigerians will continue to lean on ethnic or religious identities, hindering unity and patriotism. He emphasized the importance of a National Values Charter, which would serve as a social contract between the country and its citizens, outlining shared values that define Nigerians.
Institutionalizing Values
The DG stressed that the absence of nurturing institutions has undermined efforts to build a unified identity. He proposed policies to institutionalize values through education, religion, and other societal frameworks:
1. Reintroducing Civic Education:
The DG recommended the introduction of a compulsory Citizenship Studies curriculum in primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions. This subject would cover ethics, values, and history to foster character development alongside academic learning.
2. Faith-Based and Community Institutions
He highlighted the role of religious and cultural institutions in nurturing values, stating:
“Just as the church and mosque nurture religious virtues, there must be institutions dedicated to fostering the national values we identify as critical to citizenship.”
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7 for 7 Initiative
Mallam Issa-Onilu outlined the proposed 7 for 7 Initiative, identifying seven critical institutions for fostering national values. He also emphasized the need for institutional frameworks to ensure these values are consistently taught and practiced.
Institutionalization Policies
Concluding his remarks, the DG expressed optimism about the future, stating that the NOA remains committed to creating structures and policies that will instill patriotism, foster unity, and redefine Nigerian identity.
“When you graduate and receive a certificate stating you are worthy in character and learning, we want to ensure that the character aspect is as strong as the learning.”
Through these efforts, the NOA seeks to inspire a new generation of Nigerians with a clear understanding of their identity and commitment to national values.
