It will take a miracle to attempt to straighten a dry fish without reducing it to smithereens. That is the kind of thaumaturgy that the National Orientation Agency (NOA) under the watch of its Director-General, Malam Issa Lanre Onilu, is striving to perform in the past two years, Nigeria’s space being the miracle centre.
Without a doubt, the NOA stands as a pivotal institution in Nigeria’s quest for national unity, social cohesion, progressive development and an instrument to whip Nigerians to toe the path of moral rectitude.
Established in 1993 through the instrumentality of Decree No. 100, the Agency was created to enlighten, educate, sensitise and mobilise Nigerians towards a common purpose, building a united, peaceful, and prosperous nation. This is a collective cross the Agency must bear while striving to deliver on its mandate if the country’s future is not to be compromised especially by its teeming young populace whose new-found religion is yahooism.
The mantra that our youths are the leaders of tomorrow is a fallacy falling on deaf ears. They have become impatient, desiring to be leaders of today. The corrupt elements in and outside the government circle are now their (role) models and they mimic them by going into criminalities like internet fraud and allied crimes that will fetch them what can be referred to as triple Ws or wealth without work overnight. In their erroneous belief, making it the normal way is old school! This is one of the main causes of the malady the Agency is contending with by striving to reset their minds, while the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is fighting the disease.
Over the years, the agency has played a critical role in shaping public perception, fostering patriotism, and promoting values that are essential for national development. This write-up delves into the multifaceted functions of the NOA, its achievements, and ongoing efforts to galvanise Nigerians for national unity and progress.
The NOA emerged from the ashes of the former Public Enlightenment and Mobilization Directorate (PEMD) and the National Orientation Movement (NOM). The agency’s primary mandate is to ensure that government policies, programmes, and activities are well understood by the public, while also promoting positive values, attitudes, and behaviours that align with national goals. To achieve these set objectives, the NOA operates at the federal, state, and local government levels, with offices in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Its structure allows it to reach even the remotest communities, ensuring that its messages resonate across the entire nation, propagating its core functions that include but are not limited to public enlightenment, social mobilisation, value reorientation, and the promotion of national unity and integration.
One of the NOA’s key roles is to educate Nigerians about government policies, programmes, and initiatives. Through various campaigns, the agency has been instrumental in disseminating information on critical issues such as health, education, security, and governance. For instance, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the NOA played a pivotal vital role in raising awareness about preventive measures, vaccination, and government responses. Its grassroots approach ensured that even the most vulnerable populations were informed and empowered to protect themselves. The interventions saved many Nigerians from premature departure to their graves!
The agency also conducts campaigns on voter education, encouraging citizens to exit their cocoons of apathy and participate actively in the electoral process. By promoting transparency, accountability, and civic responsibility, the Agency has contributed immeasurably to the strengthening of Nigeria’s democracy. Its efforts in this regard have helped to increase political engagement among Nigerians.
Social mobilisation is another critical aspect of the NOA’s work. The agency engages with communities to foster collective action towards common goals. Through town hall meetings, workshops, and community dialogues, the Agency has been able to address issues such as communal conflicts, gender-based violence, and youth unemployment. By bringing together stakeholders from various sectors, the agency facilitates the development of sustainable solutions to societal challenges. Its community engagement initiatives have also been instrumental in promoting peace and reconciliation in conflict-prone areas. For example, in the Niger Delta region, the agency has worked with local leaders, youth groups, and women’s organisations to promote dialogue and mutual understanding. These efforts have contributed to the reduction of violence and the restoration of normalcy in the region.
In a rapidly changing world, the NOA recognises the importance of value reorientation in shaping the character and behavior of Nigerians. The agency has launched several campaigns aimed at promoting ethical leadership, integrity, and accountability. Through its “Do the Right Thing: Transform Nigeria” initiative, the Agency encourages citizens to uphold moral values and contribute positively to national development.
The NOA also emphasises the importance of patriotism and national pride. By celebrating Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage and promoting a sense of belonging among the citizenry, the Agency fosters a collective identity that transcends ethnic, religious, and regional differences. This sense of unity is essential for the country’s progress and stability.
Nigeria’s diversity is one of its greatest strengths, but it also presents challenges in terms of national unity and integration. The NOA has been at the forefront of efforts to bridge divides and promote harmonious coexistence among the country’s various ethnic and religious groups. Through its “One Nigeria” campaign, the agency emphasises the importance of tolerance, mutual respect, and understanding.
The Agency also collaborates with other government agencies, civil society organisations, and international partners to promote national unity. For example, the agency has worked with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to foster cross-cultural understanding among young Nigerians. By exposing corps members to different parts of the country, the NYSC and NOA help to break down stereotypes and build bridges of friendship and cooperation.
Despite its significant achievements, the NOA faces several challenges in its mission to mobilise Nigerians for national unity and progress. Limited funding, inadequate infrastructure, and the sheer size of the country’s population are some of the obstacles that the agency must overcome. Additionally, the persistence of ethnic and religious tensions, as well as the spread of misinformation, poses significant threats to the NOA’s efforts. Herein also lies the primordial dilemma facing the agency.
Owing to poor governance by successive administrations, Nigerians have cultivated a mindset that sets them aloof from government’s aspirations, programmes and policies. Patriotism has become a rare attribute among the populace, giving rise to suspicion, bad blood, lukewarm responses and insensitivity to government. Getting the average Nigerian to come out of this mindset and embrace the government is the miracle the agency must labour to perform if the country is to forge ahead on all fronts.
To address these daunting challenges, the NOA must step up its innovative strategies and leverage technology to reach and engage a wider audience. Effective use of social media, mobile applications, and other digital platforms can enhance the agency’s ability to disseminate information and engage with citizens without them, in reaction, flipping up their noses in derision of the government’s noble intentions. Furthermore, increased collaboration with the private sector, academia, and international organisations can provide the agency with the resources and expertise needed to achieve its goals.
In conclusion, The Agency remains a cure-all institution to rid the country of the myriad of maladies attempting to stymie Nigeria’s journey towards national unity and progressive development. Through its public enlightenment campaigns, social mobilisation efforts, value reorientation initiatives, and promotion of national integration, the Agency has made significant contributions to the country’s socio-political landscape. While challenges persist, NOA’s commitment to its mandate and ability to adapt to changing circumstances, leveraging on (digital) technology, offer hope for a brighter future.
The deployment of technology to break down barriers or resistance has gone a long way to reset the minds of Nigerians so that they are now beginning to portray their fatherland in a good light. By continuing to mobilise Nigerians around shared values and common goals, the NOA can help to build a united, peaceful and prosperous nation for generations to come. It is going to be a long haul but the destination is reachable.
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