By Awayi Kuje

The National Orientation Agency (NOA) on Tuesday, engaged with stakeholders in Nasarawa State on the new National Values Charter (NVC), and National Anthem as part of the implementation of the National Identity Project.

Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, Director-General of NOA, who spoke at a one-day stakeholders townhall meeting in Lafia, said the engagement was to sensitise people to the need to promote national identify in order to foster unity in the country.

The DG represented by Mr Ibrahim Umar, Deputy Director of Budget of the agency noted that the project focused re-emphasising the values that promote oneness among citizens of the nation.

He urged citizens to emulate bond of unity of the nation’s founding fathers such as Tafawa Balewa, Nnamdi Azikiwe, Obafemi Owolowo, among others that fought for Nigeria’s independence.

“We want to come together as Nigerians and emphasise on those values that unite use and deconstruct those that disintegrate us.

“Our differences and diversity should be seen as strengths rather than weaknesses,” he added.

Issa- Onilu explained that the National Identity project, which is in line with President Bola Tinubu’s task to build Nigerians to build Nigeria was critical as it would redirect all Nigerians irrespective of class , ethnicity and religion to work toward national unity.

He, therefore, called on citizens to define the country’s identity and values of patriotism, resilience, courage, hard work to engender growth and development of the country.

In his remarks, Gov Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State said that the meeting would no doubt foster a renewed phase of patriotism and loyalty to the country.

Sule, represented by the Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Ibrahim Angbolo, noted that the National identity project and national anthem symbolised the diversity and unity of the country which citizens must embrace.

He urged stakeholders to educate their people on the need to embrace the national identity with pride and commitment in order to build a harmonious and prosperous society.

Also, the Emir of Lafia, Retried Justice Sidi Bage, represented by the District Head of Lafia, Alh. Dahiru Aliyu, tasked Nigerians to prioritise the unity of the country above ethnicity, religion and political affiliations, which serve as dividing factors among the people.

In her presentation, Dr Priscilla Gondo- Aluor, Nasarawa State Director of NOA, said that Nigerians must not allow foreign values to erode their core values.

She emphasised the need to imbibe values of love, patriotism, resilience, courage, dignity of labour, sanctity of life, belief in the family as a basic unit of society, justice and fairness as well as care for our environment.

Gondo-Aluor explained that NOA had developed the National Values Charter (NVC), which the Federal Executive Council had approved its mandatory inclusion as part of the curricular of schools at both the basic and post basic schools.

“We firmly believe that if the government keep the seven promises of the Nigerian state to their citizens and the seven obligations of the citizens to the nation (7 for 7), as contained in the NVC, the country will be on the path to tranquility and long lasting peace and progress,” she said.

She said the agency, through the charter also instituted seven policies to sustain the Nigeria value system.

Gondo-Aluor said that the agency would also ensure that the national symbols such as flags, coat of arms, national currency, national Anthem/pledge and other national emblems are accorded respect, properly displayed and handled, including the hoisting of national flag in public buildings.

“The first stanza of the National Anthem have been approved to be rendered at all official functions, while the three stanzas should be only for special occasions such as Independence Day, Democracy day, inauguration of the National Assembly children’s day, Armed forces remembrance day and workers’ day.

“The third stanza of the National Anthem is approved by the Federal Executive Council to be adopted as National Prayer,” she said.

The stakeholders engagement had in attendance traditional institutions, religious bodies, Police, Para-military , academia, youths, Civil Society Organisation, the media among others. (NAN)