By Our Correspondent
National Orientation Agency, NOA, has commenced a nationwide sensitisation on health, security consciousness, human rights, ongoing tax reforms and the negative impact of get-rich-quick syndrome.
Director-General of the agency, Malam Lanre Issa-Onilu made this known at a news conference to flag-off the campaign yesterday in Yenagoa.
Issa-Onilu was represented by the Deputy Director in charge of Attitude Orientation and Behaviours Modification at NOA Headquarters in Abuja, Mr Saturday Idemudia.
He said sensitisation campaign on the five critical areas was necessary because they are central to the nation’s well-being, unity and development.
The director-general noted that the campaign was to unite Nigerians and build patriotism amongst the citizenry.
The campaign has as theme, ‘Promoting Awareness, Ethical Values and National Development.’
“Today, we are commencing a nationwide mobilisation of unity in our commitment to address these pressing issues and foster a more informed, secured and ethical society.
“The challenges before us require collective action and active participation from all Nigerians.
“This campaign toward HIV/AIDS complements the efforts being made by relevant health authorities and coincides with the World HIV/AIDS Day, which was marked on December 1.
“We also join the global community within the week across the 36 states, the FCT and the 774 local governments in raising awareness,” he said.
He said government had intensified efforts to provide free and accessible HIV testing and counseling services nationwide.
The NOA boss explained that it also ensured that antiretroviral treatment was available and accessible to people living with HIV/AIDS, and partnered local and international organisations to combat stigma and discrimination.
“Government alone cannot win this fight against HIV/AIDS, citizens must take advantage of the services provided by government and other entities, practice responsible health behaviours and support those living with HIV/AIDS.
“Citizens have a big role to play in halting the spread of HIV/AIDS. We shall be carrying these messages across the length and breadth of Nigeria through our diverse messaging platforms,” he said.
On security, the director-general noted that it remains a top priority for government, as efforts have been intensified in the provision of modern weapons, training and funding of security forces.
He explained that the federal government had expanded its policing initiatives to improve collaboration between citizens and law enforcement, as well as deploy technology, such as surveillance systems and intelligence gathering, to combat crime.
On the get-rich-quick syndrome, he said government had implemented youth empowerment programmes and skills acquisition initiatives.
He stated that it had criminalised fraudulent practices, including internet fraud and financial crimes, with increased enforcement by agencies like the EFCC and ICPC.
On tax reform, he noted that government is working to stop different levels of authority from taxing people for the same thing.
He also explained that the tax reform bills currently before the National Assembly were designed to ease the burden on hardworking Nigerians, while ensuring that everyone contributed fairly.
“In all, NOA will, in this month, carry out nationwide sensitisation with different activities on the five critical issues to let citizens be informed and shun crimes.
“This campaign represents more than government initiatives, it is a call to action for every Nigerian to join hands in addressing these five critical issues.
“Together, we must create a society that is healthy, secure, ethical and united in purpose.
“The roles of stakeholders are very important, we call on the media, traditional leaders, religious institutions, civil society organisations and educational institutions to amplify these messages and extend their reach,” he said.
Earlier, the Bayelsa State Director of NOA, Dr Edward Banigo enlisted the support of the media in propagating messages to educate and inform citizens on the feats being achieved by the current administration.
Banigo described the media as indispensable partners in nation building and lauded them for publicising the activities of NOA in Bayelsa.
