NOA Charges Correctional Officers to Uphold Human Dignity, Strengthen National Values

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Ahmed Makarfi 

The National Orientation Agency, NOA, has intensified its campaign to promote national integration and behavioural reform through a sensitization programme for officers of the Nigerian Correctional Service Training College in Makera, Birnin Kebbi.

The event, which took place at the College, is part of a nationwide effort to embed the National Values Charter among key public service actors whose roles directly impact societal development.

Delivering the keynote address, the Kebbi State Director of NOA, Malam Nasiru Mohammed Karofi, who represented the Director of Special Duties and Zonal Operations at the Agency’s headquarters, Mr. David Akoji, described the National Values Charter as a vital framework aimed at strengthening national unity and reinforcing shared responsibility between the government and its citizens.

He called on correctional officers to embody the principles of the Charter in their daily duties, especially in their interactions with fellow officers and inmates, emphasizing that inmates remain citizens deserving of compassion and dignity, and urged officers to uphold these values as part of their professional and ethical obligations.

During the session, participants were exposed to the Charter’s “Seven-for-Seven Reciprocal Commitments,” which outline the nation’s obligations such as equality, democracy, entrepreneurship, peace, inclusivity, freedom and meritocracy as well as the responsibilities expected of citizens, including discipline, duty of care, tolerance, leadership, accountability, environmental awareness and resilience.

The officers also received briefings on additional components of the National Values Charter, including the use of animated content to drive behavioural change, efforts to improve Nigeria’s global reputation, and the adoption of the third stanza of the National Anthem as the National Prayer.

In her remarks, the Deputy Commandant of the Training College, Mrs. Sarah Dauda Senchi, applauded the initiative, describing it as timely and impactful. She expressed confidence that the training would positively influence officers’ conduct and enhance their relationship with inmates, a commitment further reinforced during a breakout session where the officers pledged readiness to apply the Charter in their daily operations.

Published on

26th November, 2025

AUTHOR

Ahmed Makarfi