By Abubakar Yunusa
The National Council on Information and National Orientation has adopted two key proposals from the National Orientation Agency (NOA) aimed at institutionalizing the National Identity Projects across states.
The decision was made during the council’s 48th session held in Kaduna over the weekend, according to a statement by NOA’s Deputy Director of Press, Paul Odenyi.
This year’s theme, “Enhancing Public Information Management for Inclusive Governance: Renewed Hope Agenda in Focus”, highlighted the council’s advisory role in shaping Nigeria’s information and reputation management strategies. Members include state commissioners of information and heads of federal information agencies.
The proposals, presented as Council Memo NCI/48/2024/14 by NOA Director General Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, focus on restoring dignity and standardizing national symbols, as well as implementing the National Values Charter (NVC) at sub-national levels.
The Federal Executive Council (FEC) had earlier approved measures to revive Nigeria’s value system as part of the broader National Identity Project.
The council’s resolution requires states to collaborate with the NOA in establishing Citizens Values Brigades in schools, developing a compulsory citizenship studies curriculum for all education levels, and integrating the NVC into government retreats.
Additionally, states are to support local cartoon creators in promoting Nigerian values and heroes while incorporating value orientation into NYSC programs and graduate skill-up initiatives.
On the restoration of national symbols, the council emphasized the implementation of FEC-approved standardization policies. These include:
Adopting the third stanza of the National Anthem as a National Prayer.
“Rendering the first stanza at official functions, with all three stanzas reserved for special occasions such as Democracy Day and National Day.
“Mandating Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to source national flags and other symbols exclusively from the NOA.”
The meeting was attended by Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris, Senator Emeka Eze (Chairman, Senate Committee on Information), Hon. Olusola Fatoba (Chairman, House Committee on Information), and Kaduna State Governor Senator Uba Sani.
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