Abakaliki (Ebonyi, Nigeria): The National Orientation Agency (NOA), Ebonyi Directorate, and Traditional Rulers have cautioned against abuse of the Naira currency in social gatherings in the state, urging citizens to uphold national values.
NOA had launched a nationwide campaign in August on five thematic areas related to nation-building.
The areas for the campaign include national enlightenment on government policies, programmes, and activities, as well as flood mitigation and disaster preparedness.
Others include national security awareness, reorientation of national values for students against extreme sign-out practices, and the Nigerian identity project and national symbols campaign.
The Director-General of NOA, Malam Lanre Issa-Onilu, at a stakeholder meeting with the traditional rulers on Wednesday in Abakaliki, said that the Agency was committed to re-orienting citizens on national values.
Issa-Onilu, represented by Mrs Blessings-Ngozi Oyem, NOA’s Director of Youth Engagement and Inclusion, further expressed displeasure with the current extreme graduation celebrations among pupils, students of primary, secondary schools, and tertiary institutions.
He called on parents, traditional institutions, and schools to support the campaign to end such celebrations among students, especially in secondary schools and universities.
Issa-Onilu noted that the campaigns became imperative as the nation was about to transition into a micro-economy.
“So, on the National value re-orientation (students and youths). We want all stakeholders to join forces to end the extreme graduation practices that do not align with the nation’s values.
We commend state governments like Imo and Benue, which have signed legislation to curb lavish graduation parties and celebrations in schools.
NOA is prepared to clamp down on such misconduct among students, including disrespect to the national identity and symbols. We can do it and Nigeria will be great,” the Director-General added.
A Traditional Ruler, Eze Boniface Nwamgbu, Igwebuike 11 of Izzi Nnuhu Community in Abakaliki local government area, applauded NOA on the enlightenment initiative and urged them to keep the flag flying.
Nwamgbu pledged support to the campaign, noting that he would meet with his cabinet to ensure that his people were well-informed.
“I am going to reach out to my community, and we will continue to support this campaign in ensuring a better Nigeria and Ebonyi state,” he pledged.
Mr Theophilus Nwokpor, the Agency’s Director in Ebonyi, said the campaign was planned to reach out to no fewer than 3 million citizens in the 13 Ebonyi local government areas.
Nwokpor reiterated the call to obey the national symbols, especially the spreading of money in parties, and to respect the national flag, among others.