NOA Urges Nigerians to Deepen Commitment to National Values at 65th Independence

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By: Shettima Abdullahi

As Nigeria marked its 65th Independence Anniversary on Wednesday, the National Orientation Agency (NOA) has called on citizens to look beyond ceremonial festivities and embrace a renewed sense of patriotism, civic responsibility, and value-driven citizenship.

The Director-General of NOA, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, in a goodwill message to Nigerians, urged the public to reflect on what it truly means to be Nigerian — drawing strength from the country’s diversity, resilience, and collective aspirations for unity, peace, and progress.

He stressed that the anniversary offered another opportunity for citizens to rededicate themselves to the nation’s core values of discipline, integrity, self-reliance, and social justice.

> “The future of Nigeria depends not just on leaders in office, but on how every citizen chooses to uphold these values in everyday life,” Issa-Onilu said.

The NOA boss commended President Bola Tinubu’s ongoing efforts to revive the economy, while urging Nigerians to seize the occasion as a call to strengthen their role in nation-building through civic responsibility, volunteerism, and active community participation.

He noted that patriotism should go beyond symbolic acts to reflect in the daily conduct of citizens — respecting national symbols, adhering to the rule of law, and living by national values.

Issa-Onilu further charged schools, faith-based organisations, traditional rulers, and civil society groups to lead conversations on national identity, cultural preservation, and active citizenship in Nigeria’s democratic journey.

Reaffirming the Agency’s commitment to sustained advocacy for civic values, public awareness on government programmes, and national unity, he urged Nigerians at home and in the diaspora to reaffirm their allegiance to the country and work together to build the Nigeria of their dreams.

Published on

October 1, 2025, 18:40 +00:00

AUTHOR

Saratu Ashafa