Stories by Mariyah Adamu, Abuja
National Orientation Agency, NOA, has said that it will soon unveil a National Values Charter, NVC, to serve as a social contract between the Nigerian government and its citizens.
Director-General of the agency, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, disclosed this on Thursday in Abuja at a one-day workshop on “Civic Responsibility and National Values for Voluntary Organisations”.
Issa-Onilu, was represented by Dr. Olukemi Afolayan, Director of Civic Values and Democratic Education at the agency.
He said that the charter would articulate the responsibilities of both the government and citizens towards nation-building.
“We are at a pivotal moment as a country.
“The challenges facing Nigeria range from insecurity, corruption, poor civic engagement, moral decay, and apathy in democratic processes.
“These require, not just governmental intervention, but active citizen participation”, he said.
He said that voluntary organisations had historically played key roles in moral reawakening, youth mobilisation and community development, dating back to the colonial period.
According to him, the NOA under the current leadership, has intensified efforts to fulfil its core mandate of value reorientation.
He said that the agency did that with the launch of several campaigns, including the National Identity Project approved by the Federal Executive Council in 2024.
“President, Bola Tinubu, is expected to formally unveil the National Values Charter.
“It defines the ‘Nigerian Promise’, the government’s commitment to equality, democracy, entrepreneurship, peace, inclusivity, freedom and meritocracy,” he said.
The NOA D-G said that the Charter would also highlight a ‘Citizen’s Code’ calling on Nigerians to embrace discipline, duty of care, tolerance, leadership, accountability, environmental awareness and resilience.
He urged voluntary organisations to support the campaign and serve as role models in their communities to promote patriotism and public trust.
Also speaking, Mrs Rhoda Sadus, Deputy Director of Civic Values and Democracy at NOA, said that the Charter was a critical component of a broader National Identity Project aimed at global reputational management.
“This is the first time any Nigerian organisation is targeting global reputational management through strategic media engagement, including broadcasts on international channels like CNN,” she said.
Sadus, said that NOA was engaging Nigerians in the diaspora and working closely with other agencies, including the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, NIDCOM, to promote a unified national identity.
“When the Director-General assumed office, he emphasised the need for Nigeria to define and project its identity.
“The National Values Charter was conceived to outline the responsibilities of both the government and the citizens, a departure from past initiatives that only targeted citizens,” she added.
She said that the agency would soon begin training public office holders on national values as part of the post-appointment orientation process.
“We believe that when both the government and the people fulfill their obligations, national development will follow,” she said.
In his remarks, Commander of the FCT Man ‘O’ War, Dr. Mohammed Dambo, said the initiative offered an opportunity for Nigerians to unite under a common agenda for national progress.
“If America became what it is today through collective agreement and commitment, Nigeria can do the same.
“We need to stop gaslighting our leaders and start promoting a culture of excellence, patriotism and civic responsibility”.
He called for the values to be transferred to the younger generation as part of efforts to restore hope and pride in the country.
The workshop attracted the presence of representatives form Boys Scout Association of Nigeria, Girls Guide Association of Nigeria and Man O’ War Nigeria.
Others were Red Cross Society of Nigeria, Boys Brigade Nigeria, National Cadet Corps (School-Based) and War Against Indiscipline, WAI, Brigade.
…Identifies, Sensitises High Flood Risk Prone FCT Communities
National Orientation Agency, NOA, has called on high risk flood prone communities in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, to take precautionary measures to minimise or possibly prevent flood disasters.
Director-General of NOA, Malam Lanre Issa-Onilu, made the call yesterday, at the Etsu Palace, Paikon-Kore community, Gwagwalada Area Council of FCT.
Issa-Onilu, identified the high risk flood prone communities in the FCT to Include, Paikon, Gidan Maiaki, Kaida, Pai, and Pashi.
He said the one-day sensitisation programme titled “Flood Notification and Mitigation in Gwagwalada Area Council” was organised to checkmate flooding as predicted by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, NiMet.
The DG, represented by the Director of Environment, Climate and Energy, Mr Emeka Egbugara, said the event was part of NOA’s mandate of communicating government policies, programmes and activities to its citizens.
According to him, flooding is very scary and dangerous to experience, stressing that it does not discriminate or respect age.
Members of the communities were sensitises to, early warning signs, promoting environmental stewardship and encouraging grassroots involvement in flood risk management.
“When there’s flooding on the road, it is advisable not to cross, even if your car is high, because the velocity of the water will flood your car. It is better to stay put, do not cross.
“Please, when you get alert of flooding, move to a higher ground to help avoid being affected by the flood”.
Issa-Onilu, recalled that, some months back, NiMet, Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, NIHSA, and National Space Research and Development Agency, NASDA, all predicted unusual rainfall and flooding in 2025.
“The flooding forecast warned that 27 states, 147 Local Government Areas, LGAs, and thousands of communities are at high risk of flooding from July to September, and from October to November.
“The states to be affected include, Abia, Adamawa, Akwa-lbom, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross-River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, FCT, Gombe, lmo, Jigawa, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Rivers, Taraba, Yobe, and Zamfara.
“The NOA as a pacesetter in sensitisation, mobilisation and information dissemination therefore is alerting the prone vulnerable states and communities to take precautionary measures to minimise or possibly prevent any flood disaster”, Issa-Onilu said.
Also speaking, the Director-General of NIHSA, Mr Umar Mohammed, said Gwagwalada has been identified as one of the LGAs in the 2025 outlook that would experience flooding.
“This is due to a combination of factors, which include intense rainfall patterns, river systems, and rapid urban development.
“NIHSA is committed to ensuring that communities are not only aware of dangers associated with flooding but are also equipped with the knowledge and resources to effectively respond to the challenges.
“We recognise that effective flood management requires collaboration and partnership. Therefore, NIHSA is eager to work closely with the NOA and other stakeholders to enhance flood awareness at all levels,” Mohammed said.
Mohammed was represented at the event by a Deputy Director at NIHSA, Mr Aliyu Muhammed.
Similarly, the Director-General of NiMet, Prof. Charles Anosike, said the agency foretell what the future weather and climate would look like by using sophisticated technologies and highly skilled manpower.
Anosike, represented by a Deputy Director, Mr Alao Adesino, added that the agency used emerging communication strategy to reach all Nigerians with the forecast information.
“I am proud to also announce to you that the agency has not only been issuing warnings but have transited to forecasting what the weather will do.
“This is done to promote early action by various governments, stakeholders, and citizens,” he said
Deputy Director in charge of Erosion, Flood Coastal Zone Management in the Ministry of Environment, Mr Kunle Awojemila, appreciated NOA for the sensitisation campaign.
The Etsu Dugo of Paikon-Kore, Mr Barwa Yusuf, expressed delight over the notification and sensitisation by NOA.
Yusuf, said the community annually experienced drowning, destruction of houses and property by flood water.
“Now that the Federal Government has remembered us and come down to talk to us; we will listen and adhere to whatever they are telling us.
“The community members and all the neighbouring villages will be careful and avoid carrying out activities that will cause flood in the area, “Yusuf said.
