Pulse.ng : NOA launches nationwide sensitisation campaign on key national issues

L-R: Malam Hamisu Abubakar-Mayere, the Director, NOA, Kaduna Directorate and representative of the Agency’s D-G, Williams Dogo, the Director Legal Services, NOA Headquartes Abuja.

By Sani Idris-Abdulrahman

The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has flagged-off a nationwide sensitisation campaign on five critical issues central to Nigeria’s well-being, unity, and development.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the five national issues include; HIV/AIDs Day, Security Consciousness, Get-rich-quick-syndrome, Human Rights Day and Tax Reform Bill.

NAN also reports that the campaign is themed: “Promoting Awareness, Ethical Values and National Development.”

Addressing a press conference on Friday in Kaduna, the Director General of NOA, Lanre Issa-Onilu, said the campaign aimed to mobilise Nigerians to unite in their commitment to addressing the pressing issues and fostering a more informed, secured and ethical society.

Issa-Onilu, represented by Williams Dogo, Director, Legal Services, NOA Headquarters, Abuja, said government has intensified efforts in providing free and accessible HIV testing and counseling services statewide.

The D-G added that government ensured that anti-retroviral treatment was available and accessible to people living with HIV/AIDs, while partnering with local and international organisations to combat stigma and discrimination.

He, however, noted that government alone could not win the fight against HIV/AIDs, adding that citizens must take advantage of the services provided by government and other entities.

On security awareness, Issa-Onilu said government was strengthening security architecture through better equipment, training and increased funding for security agencies.

“Efforts are on to expand policing initiatives, improve collaboration between citizens and law enforcement agencies and deploying technology, such as surveillance systems and intelligence gathering to combat criminal activities.

“These efforts require the active support of citizens, who must report suspicious activities and cooperate with law enforcement agencies,” he advised.

To address the get-rich-quick syndrome, the D-G said government recognised that the erosion of values and economic hardship had driven individuals toward unethical practices.

Issa-Onilu said to address such menace, government had implemented youth empowerment programmes, supported small and medium enterprises and criminalised fraudulent practices.

The D-G therefore, urged citizens to reject shortcuts to wealth and embrace integrity, hard work, and the opportunities provided through government initiatives to make life better for citizens.

Issa-Onilu added that, as the nation commemorates World Human Rights Day, government remained committed to protecting the dignity of every Nigerian.

He said recent efforts included strengthening legal frameworks to address human rights violations, establishing support centers for survivours of abuse and violence, and promoting constitutional awareness to ensure citizens understand their rights and responsibilities.

Also, the D-G said government was implementing tax reforms to make the system fairer and less burdensome for citizens.

According to him, the tax reform bills aim to bring everything about taxation and administration of tax in Nigeria under four different pieces of legislation.

The NOA boss, therefore urged citizens, stakeholders, and institutions to collaborate in addressing the critical issues to create a healthier, safer, and more ethical Nigeria.

He called on the media to partner with NOA in spreading the critical messages through their platforms, ensuring that every Nigerian is informed and inspired to act.

Also, the Director, NOA, Kaduna Directorate, Hamisu Abubakar-Mayere, assured that the state directorate of the agency would go through the nooks and crannies of Kaduna to make the citizens understand the need for support in addressing the five key national issues.

He said they would engage in town hall meetings using the languages people in different communities understand.

He appealed to the media to disseminate the messages to the people in Kaduna state and Nigerians in general to understand what the campaigns were all about.(NAN)