The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has called on stakeholders in Kogi State to support a nationwide campaign promoting national values, public safety, and citizens’ awareness of government programmes.
NOA Director-General, Malam Lanre Issa-Onilu, made the appeal on Thursday in Lokoja during a press conference and stakeholders’ engagement meeting. He was represented by Mrs Margaret Yenemi, Deputy Director in the agency’s Department of Abuse, Rights and Narcotics.
Issa-Onilu explained that the campaign would focus on five key areas: government programmes, flood mitigation, security awareness, values re-orientation, and the Nigerian Identity Project.
He highlighted major government initiatives, including the NELFUND Student Loan Scheme, which has disbursed over N59 billion to more than 600,000 students, and the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) programme, which has enrolled over two million households.
The campaign will also underscore disaster preparedness, stressing adherence to NiMet’s early warning advisories and proper waste management to reduce flooding risks. Under the Presidential Flood Mitigation directive, N3 billion has been approved for each state to clear drainage systems and support relocation efforts.
On security, Issa-Onilu disclosed that more than 15,000 new personnel have been deployed nationwide, with the Armed Forces introducing drones, armoured vehicles, and surveillance technologies. The awareness campaign aims to reach three million Nigerians in every state.
He also emphasised the need to discourage extreme graduation practices inconsistent with Nigerian traditions, promote patriotism, and encourage respect for national symbols, including the anthem, flag, and currency.
Other programmes highlighted include interest-free loans of up to N100,000 and N300,000 under Trader Moni and Farmer Moni, the renovation of 700 rural schools through the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Fund, and the National Youth Investment Fund (NYIF), which has earmarked N110 billion to support 150,000 youths nationwide.
Earlier, Kogi State Director of NOA, Mr Patrick Edogbanya, urged citizens to embrace attitudinal change, remain vigilant, and build stronger communities.
“Every Nigerian must embrace positive change, reject shortcuts to wealth, and uphold diligence and integrity,” he said.
Stakeholders at the event—including security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders, NGOs, youth and women groups, and the Okada Riders Association—commended NOA for the initiative and pledged their support.
