The Imo State National Orientation Agency (NOA) has flagged off a nationwide sensitization campaign addressing five critical issues—World AIDS Day, Security Sensitization, Discouraging the Get-Rich-Quick Syndrome, World Human Rights Day, and the Tax Reformation Bill—which are central to Nigeria’s well-being, unity, and development.
This was disclosed during a press briefing in Owerri on December 5, 2024. In a statement signed by NOA’s Director General, Malam Lanre Issa-Onilu, the agency emphasized its commitment to mobilizing citizens to address pressing societal challenges that undermine the nation’s values and ethics.
The statement called on all Nigerians, particularly stakeholders and the media, to collaborate in ensuring active participation and collective action. “This campaign is a call to national consciousness and a proactive step to reinforce ethical values, security, and social well-being,” the statement read.
The NOA’s campaign comes at a time when Nigeria faces growing challenges of insecurity and unemployment. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, unemployment in Nigeria currently stands at 33.3%, with youth unemployment surpassing 40%. This issue is compounded by rising insecurity, with reports indicating over 1,500 incidents of violent crime across the nation in the past year. These challenges have led to increased youth restiveness, making the campaign’s focus on security and ethical reorientation even more critical.
The campaign also targets the pervasive get-rich-quick mentality that has deeply affected societal values. The NOA emphasized that government empowerment programs, such as the National Social Investment Programme (NSIP) and skill acquisition initiatives, aim to tackle this issue by providing meaningful opportunities for young people. “These programs are designed to address root causes of insecurity and criminal behavior, which are often linked to unemployment and poverty,” Malam Issa-Onilu explained.
Director of Public Enlightenment and Mass Mobilization, Theresa Mmaduegwe, who represented the National Director, highlighted the agency’s responsibility to inform citizens about policies and opportunities that improve social living while discouraging social vices. “Our core mandate is to enlighten Nigerians about available tools for progress, from government policies to ethical practices,” she said.
In Imo State, NOA’s Director, Demian-Igwe Stella Maris, detailed the localized efforts to drive the campaign’s impact. She described collaborations with artisans, association leaders, and other stakeholders to design tailored awareness strategies based on community-specific data. “Our data-driven approach ensures that the issues of insecurity and unemployment are addressed in ways that resonate with the people,” she noted.
Demian-Igwe added that sensitization efforts are already underway in secondary schools and rural communities. “Our agents are on the ground, teaching and enlightening people about governance, ethics, and national values. This is our mission, and we are fully committed to it,” she affirmed.
The NOA’s campaign highlights the interconnectedness of insecurity, unemployment, and social ethics, urging Nigerians to take ownership of the solutions. The agency has called on the media and other stakeholders to amplify the campaign’s messages, ensuring a unified approach to fostering a more secure, ethical, and prosperous nation.
This proactive initiative not only addresses Nigeria’s immediate challenges but also aims to instill lasting values that strengthen national unity and development.
