In a significant move to enhance awareness of the National Identity Project, the Oyo State Directorate of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) organized a Town Hall meeting on Thursday at the Western Hall, Oyo State Secretariat in Ibadan. The event aimed to engage various community stakeholders in discussions about restoring and embracing essential national values.
The gathering brought together a diverse array of participants, including representatives from security agencies, youth and women’s organizations, faith-based groups, civil society organizations, and local market representatives. Attendees engaged in fruitful discussions, emphasizing the need to unite in prayer for the success of the nation’s leaders and to foster renewed hope for a better Nigeria.
Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, the Director-General of the NOA, addressed the attendees through Mrs. Adeola Adelaja, the Director of Political Education, Ethics, and Values. He highlighted that the National Identity Project goes beyond mere identification cards or administrative data, focusing instead on the core values that define Nigeria’s identity.
Issa-Onilu stressed the importance of integrity, hard work, discipline, patriotism, and respect for diversity as foundational elements of national identity. He reassured citizens that there is hope for progress and development if both the government and the populace fulfill their respective roles effectively.
“Together, we can achieve the change that we seek. Let us move forward with renewed hope and a steadfast commitment to making our great nation one we can all be proud of,” he said, urging citizens to actively participate in the project through various community platforms, including mosques, churches, traditional councils, and professional associations.
Mrs. Adelaja elaborated on the government’s initiatives and achievements in areas such as economic reform, social welfare, security, energy, and agricultural development. She introduced the “7 for 7” promises outlined in the National Values Charter, emphasizing the reciprocal responsibilities of both the government and the citizens in achieving national development.
During her speech, she underscored the Nigerian promise—government commitments to values such as equality, democracy, entrepreneurship, peace, inclusivity, freedom, and meritocracy. She also shared a citizen’s code, urging individuals to embrace discipline, duty of care, tolerance, leadership, accountability, environmental awareness, and resilience.
The event’s chairman, Dr. Moronkola Thomas, the Director General of OYMASED, encouraged attendees to uphold the “Omoluabi” values, which are deeply respected in Yoruba culture, and to resist abandoning these principles in favor of modernization. He reminded the audience that the economic challenges facing the nation are not new and called for a collective effort to adhere to national core values.
The Town Hall meeting concluded with a performance by the NOA troupe, showcasing a Theatre for Development piece centered on the National Identity Project. This artistic expression highlighted the importance of the initiative and its role in fostering a sense of national identity among citizens.
The event marked a crucial step in the NOA’s ongoing campaign to promote national values and encourage citizen participation in national development efforts. Through this initiative, the agency aims to create a more unified and value-driven society, reinforcing the significance of the National Identity Project in shaping Nigeria’s future.
The meeting served not only as a platform for dialogue but also as a reminder of the collective responsibility each citizen holds in fostering a better Nigeria, urging everyone to play their part in this vital national initiative.