The Plateau State office of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) has launched a Nationwide Sensitization Campaign aimed at promoting the importance of Nigeria’s National Anthem and the National Values Charter. In a press conference held at the Federal Secretariat in Jos, NOA Plateau State Director Kaneng T-Pam Hworo emphasized the campaign’s goal to strengthen national unity and reinforce shared values among Nigerians.
Celebrating the National Anthem and National Identity
“The National Anthem is more than a song; it embodies our collective aspirations, our unity, and our hopes for peace and progress,” Hworo said. She highlighted the anthem’s role in reminding Nigerians of the sacrifices that have shaped the nation, calling it a powerful symbol that inspires citizens to work toward a common goal.
The National Values Charter
Alongside the anthem, the National Values Charter outlines the ethical principles essential to a cohesive and prosperous society. The charter promotes values like integrity, accountability, respect for human rights, and unity. “This is a call to action for all Nigerians to reflect on their behavior and to contribute positively to their communities,” Hworo stated, urging citizens to align their actions with these principles.
The charter is built on two core commitments: the Nigerian Promise, outlining government responsibilities like equality, peace, and meritocracy; and the Citizens’ Code, encouraging individuals to uphold values such as discipline, resilience, and environmental awareness.
Key Components of the Sensitization Campaign
The NOA plans to use a multi-faceted approach to raise awareness of both the National Anthem and the National Values Charter. The campaign will feature:
1. Media Engagement: Utilizing TV, radio, social media, and print, the agency will spread messages emphasizing the importance of the anthem and the national values. Engaging stories, testimonials, and visuals will enhance the campaign’s outreach.
2. Community and Stakeholder Collaborations: NOA will partner with civil society organizations, local governments, and educational institutions to broaden the campaign’s reach.
3. Community Events and Outreach: Planned activities include road shows, school visits, and town-hall meetings to engage directly with communities. National Anthem performances and discussions on the National Values Charter will foster a sense of belonging and shared identity.
Inspiring Citizen Involvement
Hworo encouraged every Nigerian to participate actively in this campaign, calling on schools to integrate the National Anthem into daily routines and urging community leaders to discuss the National Values Charter.
“This is more than just an initiative; it is a movement toward a more harmonious and accountable Nigeria,” she remarked. “By embracing these values, we honor our past and pave the way for a brighter future for Plateau State and Nigeria.”
The NOA’s campaign reflects a vision of unity and national pride, striving to ensure that the anthem and charter guide future generations toward a prosperous Nigeria.
Response from NOA Headquarters: Realigning Citizens’ Confidence
Speaking on behalf of the NOA headquarters in Abuja, Mrs. Mary Mukan, representing the Director-General, emphasized the campaign’s focus on rebuilding citizens’ confidence in the nation. “When we talk about the National Anthem, even when it was last revised, there was a feeling that people’s confidence in the country had waned,” she said. “This campaign aims to reinforce Nigerians’ belief in the system, focusing on confidence-building through realigning citizens with our core values.”
Mukan outlined the NOA’s model for a “Real Nigerian,” which is being built around the principles in the “7 for 7” framework: seven responsibilities for both citizens and government. “We are actively working on projects in schools, communities, and with local governments to develop a model of a responsible, resilient Nigerian. By emphasizing discipline, leadership, tolerance, and resilience, we aim to inspire Nigerians, especially the youth, to take pride in their identity and commitment to national progress.”
“This model of a Real Nigerian will help reshape public perception, fostering a sense of responsibility and accountability among citizens,” Mukan added, affirming the campaign’s broader goal of instilling a deeper patriotism and connection to Nigeria’s ideals.