NOA Seeks Stronger Media Collaboration to Promote National Values
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting national values, civic education, and national identity, while seeking stronger collaboration with the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) ahead of the next general elections
The Director-General of NOA, Lanre Issa-Onilu, made this known during a courtesy visit by NAWOJ, describing the engagement as timely and strategic for national development and democratic consolidation while effective nation-building depends on sustained partnerships between institutions responsible for public communication and citizen engagement. He noted that the NOA, which evolved from the former MAMSER framework, has a wide grassroots presence with over 800 offices nationwide.
He highlighted the agency’s mandate to manage public information and civic orientation, while commending women journalists for their contributions to national development through ethical reporting and voluntary service as he stressed the need to strengthen voter and civic education, especially among young Nigerians, noting that a large proportion of the population is under 35 and warned that increasing exposure to digital and foreign media content is reshaping societal values, underscoring the need for structured civic engagement.
Issa-Onilu also revealed that the agency has developed the Nigerian Identity Project under the National Values Charter, based on a “seven-for-seven” principle that outlines mutual responsibilities between government and citizens. He added that the Federal Executive Council has approved key elements of the initiative, including the reintroduction of Citizenship Studies into school curricula at all levels.
He further disclosed plans to boost local production of children’s content, with a target of ensuring that at least 70 per cent of cartoons consumed by Nigerian children reflect indigenous culture and values.
The Director-General called for more strategic communication efforts to improve public perception and national cohesion, while advocating a shift from quota-based approaches to tackling barriers limiting women’s participation in leadership.
In her remarks, NAWOJ National President, Aishatu Ibrahim, said the visit aimed to strengthen collaboration in civic and voter education, ethical journalism, and the fight against misinformation ahead of the elections.
She further proposed a joint NOA–NAWOJ initiative that would include nationwide training workshops, community outreach programmes targeting women and youth, development of civic education materials in local languages, and coordinated media campaigns to encourage informed participation.
Additionally, the NAWOJ Board of Trustees member, Zubair Jide Atta, emphasised the importance of national values and civic orientation, while calling for stronger integration of media and information literacy into the education system as both organisations reaffirmed their commitment to deepening collaboration in promoting civic responsibility, national values, and inclusive governance as Nigeria prepares for upcoming elections.
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