By Abubakar Yunusa
The Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Lanre Issa-Onilu, has attributed Nigeria’s challenges to the lack of a unified national identity, stating that its absence has hindered national unity, patriotism, and love for the country.
Issa-Onilu made this assertion on Tuesday in Abuja during the presentation of the agency’s 7-7 National Values Charter, a framework designed to address Nigeria’s long-standing identity crisis and foster mutual accountability between leadership and citizens.
“Our failure as a country is because our national identity has not evolved,” he said.
“Until we evolve a national identity, we cannot achieve the unity, patriotism, and love for the country that we are looking for.”
The NOA DG noted that fragmented efforts in the past failed to build a shared sense of purpose, with previous campaigns focusing primarily on citizens while neglecting the role of leadership and institutional support.
“This disconnect has left individuals relying on ethnic or religious affiliations, preventing the emergence of a unified identity,” Issa-Onilu explained, adding that past initiatives often emphasized slogans over substantive reforms.
Citing examples from nations like Japan and the United States, Issa-Onilu stressed the importance of institutional reforms to instill societal values.
“For most countries, one can clearly define their citizenship. When you see Americans, Japanese, or Chinese, they have their attributes. Even foreign students in the U.S. are taught the American way of life,” he said.
The 7-7 National Values Charter proposed by NOA outlines a two-way commitment: the “Nigerian Promise,” which defines the government’s responsibilities to its citizens, and the “Citizen Codes,” which articulate citizens’ obligations. Both components are structured around seven core pillars aimed at fostering accountability and connection.
Issa-Onilu emphasized the urgency of implementing these reforms, describing them as essential for building a unified and prosperous Nigeria.
“The success of these reforms could lay the foundation for a stronger emotional bond between Nigerians and their country,” he concluded.
Never miss a moment! Get the stories shaping Nigeria, delivered straight to your phone. Follow Peoplesdaily Newspaper on WhatsApp for breaking news, exclusive reports, and the headlines everyone will be talking about, before anyone else.
