By Seyi Babalola
Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation, has indicated that the Federal Government is ready to execute the National Values Charter.
Idris revealed this in Abuja on Wednesday when he opened the National Orientation Agency’s enlarged retreat.
He stated that the National Values Charter, one of his ministry’s flagship initiatives through the NOA, has been carefully crafted and designed to ensure that all Nigerians are fully aware of their constitutional and legal rights and protections and that governments at all levels are equally mindful of all constitutionally guaranteed obligations to citizens.
“On the one hand, to ensure that all Nigerians are fully aware of their rights and protections under the constitution and the laws of the land and that governments at all levels are equally aware of all the constitutionally guaranteed obligations that they have to the citizenry. This first goal is encapsulated in the seven (7) ‘Core Promises’ aspect of the Charter.
“On the other hand, to sensitize and awaken all Nigerians to all of our responsibilities as citizens of this great and beautiful country—which means the responsibilities that we have not just to one another, but also to the government and the nation. This second goal is captured in the seven (7) ‘Commitments’ aspect of the Charter,” he stated.
Idris promised to move forward courageously and confidently, determined to create a society in which individuals and the country have a strong mutual love and respect for one another.
The minister stated that NOA has become one of the most important instruments for crafting national narratives and debates, encouraging unity in the face of diversity, and cultivating a sense of inclusivity and belonging throughout the country.
He congratulated the Director General, Mr. Lanre Issa-Onilu, for adjusting to the dynamics of public communication by utilizing technology to increase public awareness and involvement through a feedback system that is in line with the realities of the twenty-first century.
“I am very pleased to note that the NOA, under the leadership of Mr. Issa-Onilu, has prioritized technology in the work of the Agency, in keeping with the realities of the 21st century.
“The NOA has become one of the most technology-compliant agencies in Nigeria today, taking the lead in the deployment of digital tools and technologies like The Mobiliser App, as well as a well-received Artificial Intelligence platform for civic awareness and engagement, among other initiatives,” he said.
