‘Words have power’ — NOA cautions citizens against ‘negative remarks’ about Nigeria

The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has urged Nigerians to refrain from making negative remarks about the country.

Lanre Issa-Onilu, NOA’s director-general, made the call during a stakeholders’ engagement in Osogbo, Osun state capital.

Represented by Olubukola Olorunfemi, the agency’s director of report coordination and improvement, Issa-Onilu emphasised the need for citizens to remain patriotic.

“We must never condemn, curse, or speak evil about our country. Words have power. Nigeria is richly endowed with both human and material resources,” he said.

He announced a nationwide sensitisation campaign aimed at fostering positive attitudes and unity, adding that a thousand brigade members would be recruited from schools in each state to promote national unity.

“At independence, we had all the attributes to make us stronger in our journey to nationhood. However, over time, the nation’s values and culture have deteriorated,” he added.

“The anthem evokes the aspirations of Nigeria’s founding fathers and reminds citizens of the strength in their shared brotherhood.”

Issa-Onilu said the National Identity Project seeks to realign Nigerians, regardless of ethnicity or religion, with traditional ideals and values, while the National Values Charter outlines the social bonds between citizens and the country.

He noted that the president’s renewed hope agenda aims to elevate Nigeria to greater heights.

In her remarks, Bola Morgan, NOA state director, underscored the importance of promoting a positive attitude toward the country.

Representatives from market leadership, religious groups, students, and youth leaders were present at the event.