By Ayorinde Ajibola
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) is a Government Agency established in 1983 with the mandate to promote national unity, integration and development.
The Agency’s primary function is to educate and sensitise Nigerians on government policies, programmes, and activities.
Though NOA’s functions are multifaceted, its main responsibility is promoting patriotism, national pride, and civic responsibility.
It also sensitises the public on social issues such as health, education, and environmental conservation.
Furthermore, NOA plays a crucial role in promoting interfaith and inter-ethnic harmony, which is essential for peaceful co-existence in the society.
The importance of NOA to the peace of the nation cannot be overemphasised in a country with over 250 ethnic groups with multiple languages.
The Agency’s programmes and activities help to foster a sense of belonging and shared identity among Nigerians, which is very essential for nation-building.”
Similarly, NOA’s sensitization programmes on social issues have contributed significantly to behaviour change and positive attitudes among Nigerians.
For instance, the agency’s campaigns on fuel tanker fall, precautions, and public health issues such as HIV/AIDS, malaria, and COVID-19 have helped to raise awareness and promote healthy practices in the society.
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) in Nigeria encourages patriotism among Nigerians through various activities, including the National Flag Campaign as well as the promotion, display and respect for the national flag.
It has also established patriotic clubs in schools and communities to promote patriotism and national pride among young people, the singing of the national anthem in schools, public gatherings, and national events are some of the activities it has faithfully carried out.
The provision of civic education programmes in schools and communities to educate Nigerians on their rights and responsibilities as citizens and the organization of community outreach programmes, such as town hall meetings, to promote national unity and patriotism, are part of the events which the Agency cannot set aside.
Furthermore, NOA also uses various media channels, including radio, television, and social media, to promote patriotic messages and values and also celebrates National Heroes who have made significant contributions to the country’s development.
The Agency has just started a programme of “Nigeria Happens to Me”, which will highlight the various aspects of Nigeria which has had unique experiences with the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Apart from the aforementioned, the National Orientation Agency plays a critical role in promoting national unity, social cohesion, and development among others.
As we strive to build a better Nigeria, we must support and partner with the National Orientation Agency to achieve its mandate of promoting an egalitarian society.
By doing so, the National Orientation Agency will not only achieve its aim but will have revived the lost values in Nigerians.
