The National Orientation Agency (NOA) says it will soon unveil a National Values Charter (NVC) to serve as a social contract between the Nigerian government and its citizens.

The Director-General of the agency, Malam Lanre Issa-Onilu, disclosed this in Abuja, yesterday at a one-day workshop on “Civic Responsibility and National Values for Voluntary Organisations”.

Issa-Onilu was represented by Dr Olukemi Afolayan, Director of Civic Values and Democratic Education at the agency.

He said that the charter would articulate the responsibilities of both the government and citizens towards nation-building.

“We are at a pivotal moment as a country.

“The challenges facing Nigeria range from insecurity, corruption, poor civic engagement, moral decay, and apathy in democratic processes.

“These require, not just governmental intervention, but active citizen participation,”he said.

He said that voluntary organisations had historically played key roles in moral reawakening, youth mobilisation and community development, dating back to the colonial period.

According to him, the NOA under the current leadership, has intensified efforts to fulfill its core mandate of value reorientation.

He said that the agency did that with the launch of several campaigns, including the National Identity Project approved by the Federal Executive Council in 2024.

“President, Bola Tinubu, is expected to formally unveil the National Values Charter.

“It defines the ‘Nigerian Promise’, the government’s commitment to equality, democracy, entrepreneurship, peace, inclusivity, freedom and meritocracy,” he said.

The NOA D-G said that the Charter would also highlight a ‘Citizen’s Code’ calling on Nigerians to embrace discipline, duty of care, tolerance, leadership, accountability, environmental awareness and resilience.

He urged voluntary organisations to support the campaign and serve as role models in their communities to promote patriotism and public trust.

Also speaking, Mrs Rhoda Sadus, Deputy Director of Civic Values and Democracy at NOA, said that the Charter was a critical component of a broader National Identity Project aimed at global reputational management.

“This is the first time any Nigerian organisation is targeting global reputational management through strategic media engagement, including broadcasts on international channels like CNN,” she said.

Sadus said that NOA was engaging Nigerians in the diaspora and working closely with other agencies, including the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), to promote a unified national identity.

“When the Director-General assumed office, he emphasised the need for Nigeria to define and project its identity.

“The National Values Charter was conceived to outline the responsibilities of both the government and the citizens, a departure from past initiatives that only targeted citizens,” she added.

She said that the agency would soon begin training public office holders on national values as part of the post-appointment orientation process.

“We believe that when both the government and the people fulfill their obligations, national development will follow,” she said.

In his remarks, Dr Mohammed Dambo, Commander of the FCT Man ‘O’ War, said the initiative offered an opportunity for Nigerians to unite under a common agenda for national progress.

“If America became what it is today through collective agreement and commitment, Nigeria can do the same.

“We need to stop gaslighting our leaders and start promoting a culture of excellence, patriotism and civic responsibility.”

He called for the values to be transferred to the younger generation as part of efforts to restore hope and pride in the country.

The Tide source reports that the workshop attracted the presence of representatives form Boys Scout Association of Nigeria, Girls Guide Association of Nigeria and Man O’ War Nigeria.

Others were Red Cross Society of Nigeria, Boys Brigade Nigeria, National Cadet Corps (School-Based) and War Against Indiscipline (WAI) Brigade.

The Nigerian Union of Pensioners (NUP) has denied any planned protest over the recently approved N32,000 pension increment by the Federal Government.
Its Deputy National President, Chief Abdulahi Onu, said this while speaking with newsmen in Abuja on Thursday.
It would be recalled that some aggressive pensioners had threatened to protest over the non-implementation of a N32,000 pension increment, and N25,000 palliative funds for pension, among others.
Onu said the union disassociated itself from the planned protest, saying such actions are unilateral, unauthorised, and do not reflect the position of the NUP leadership.
“Our leadership representing members across the country is satisfied with the explanation of stakeholders’ engagement initiated by the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD), on the issue of the N32,000 pension increment and its efforts geared towards clearing the arrears.
“We equally appreciate President Tinubu for all his efforts aimed at bettering the living conditions of pensioners. We are also directing all our members to stay away from the rumoured protest called by some group of pensioners.
“PTAD is currently attending to the issues and concerns of all pensioners regarding the N32,000 pension increase and we trust that the efforts of the agency towards making payment will come to fruition in no distant time.
“No group of pensioners, chapter, or sector should decide alone by sending out a circular announcing a protest or any form of industrial action without the consent of the national leadership,” he said.
According to him, it is not right and neither is it the character of a responsible trade union.
Onu disclosed that some groups, including the NIPOST Lagos Branch and other factions, had been circulating information about protests over the increment and arrears.
He said that the union would neither support nor participate in any protest organised by splinter groups or individuals acting outside the union’s constitutionally recognised structures.