By| Goodluck E.Adubazi | Abuja
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has intensified its push for value reorientation and civic responsibility, unveiling plans to strengthen collaboration with the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) as the country prepares for forthcoming general elections.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by NAWOJ, NOA Director-General, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, described the engagement as both timely and strategic, emphasizing the critical role of partnerships in fostering national development and sustaining democratic governance.
Issa-Onilu noted that effective nation-building depends on strong cooperation between institutions responsible for public communication and citizen engagement. He highlighted NOA’s extensive grassroots presence, with over 800 offices nationwide, tracing its roots to the former MAMSER framework.
He commended women journalists for their dedication to ethical reporting and national service, acknowledging their contributions to shaping public discourse and promoting unity.
The NOA chief raised concerns about the growing influence of digital media and foreign content on young Nigerians, stressing the urgent need for structured civic education. He pointed out that with a large percentage of the population under 35, targeted voter education and value orientation have become increasingly vital.
Issa-Onilu also revealed ongoing reforms under the Nigerian Identity Project, part of the National Values Charter, which promotes a “seven-for-seven” framework outlining reciprocal responsibilities between citizens and government.
He disclosed that the Federal Executive Council has approved the reintroduction of Citizenship Studies across all levels of education to reinforce national values.
In addition, he announced plans to boost local production of children’s content, aiming for at least 70 percent of cartoons consumed by Nigerian children to reflect indigenous culture and values.
He further called for a more strategic use of communication tools to enhance national cohesion and urged stakeholders to move beyond quota systems in addressing barriers to women’s participation in leadership.
In her response, NAWOJ National President, Aishatu Ibrahim, said the visit sought to deepen collaboration in voter education, ethical journalism, and combating misinformation ahead of the elections.
She proposed a joint initiative between NOA and NAWOJ, including nationwide training workshops, grassroots outreach targeting women and youth, development of civic education materials in local languages, and coordinated media campaigns to encourage informed and inclusive participation.
Also speaking, NAWOJ Board of Trustees member, Zubair Jide Atta, stressed the importance of reinforcing national values through education, advocating stronger integration of media and information literacy into school curricula.
The meeting ended with both organizations reaffirming their commitment to promoting civic responsibility, strengthening national identity, and supporting inclusive governance as Nigeria approaches another electoral cycle.
