By Capital Watch Media
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has called for reforms to address the lack of a cohesive national identity and promote unity among Nigerians.
NOA Director-General, Lanre Issa-Onilu, made the statement during the presentation of the 7-7 National Values Charter in Abuja on Tuesday.
Issa-Onilu emphasized that years of fragmented efforts had failed to build a shared national purpose, leaving the country without a foundation for enduring patriotism and development.
He pointed out that previous campaigns aimed at fostering patriotism focused solely on citizens, without equal commitments from leadership or institutions to uphold those values.
This disconnect, he argued, has prevented the creation of a unified national identity, with many Nigerians instead identifying primarily through ethnic or religious affiliations.
Issa-Onilu observed that past initiatives often lacked substance, focusing on slogans without ensuring institutional support or leadership involvement.
He stressed the importance of reform in creating structures that promote positive societal values, citing examples from countries like Japan and the United States.
He said, “In most countries, citizenship is clearly defined. Americans, Japanese, and Chinese have distinct national attributes. In the US, even foreign students are taught the American way of life.
“In Nigeria, however, we struggle to define our citizenship. Our failure lies in the absence of an evolved national identity. Without this evolution, unity, patriotism, and national pride will remain elusive.”
Issa-Onilu noted that NOA has proposed a framework to tackle these challenges. The National Values Charter includes two commitments: one from the government to its citizens, known as the “Nigerian Promise,” and the other from citizens in the “Citizen Codes.”
Both elements are structured around seven pillars, promoting mutual accountability.
By clarifying expectations for both leadership and citizenship, the agency aims to strengthen the emotional connection between Nigerians and their nation.
The Director-General stressed the need for swift implementation of these reforms, asserting that their success could lay the groundwork for a more unified and prosperous nation.
