Sequel to its recent Press Conference on the launch of the National Identity Project, the Agency has taken the sensitization programme to the people.
The State Director, Dr Kemi Afolayan appeared on ‘Situation Room’, a live programme on Fresh 105.9 FM Ibadan anchored by Mayor Isaac Brown ,Monday morning, where she spoke on the National Identity Project (NIP) of the Agency.
Dr Afolayan acquainted the people with the National Identity Project. She also spoke on the need for the government and the citizens to play their parts well in carving a niche for Nigeria and move her to a safer destination. She also urged the people to avail themselves of the CNG initiative, a cheaper alternative to petrol.
While answering questions on the challenges of funding and the negative perception of the people towards the agency, Dr Afolayan said, ” the past challenges of NOA have now become history through the proactive nature of the Agency’s new Director-General, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, and the tenacity of stakeholders who have genuine interest in NOA.” She reiterated that “the government is now looking in the direction of NOA and we, at the Agency are also committed more than ever before, as they say, to whom much is given, much is expected.”
Speaking extensively on the National Identity Project, Dr Afolayan stated that it has received FEC approval and for over two weeks, NOA has been carrying out various sensitization programmes on the project which is primarily on nation building and our shared identity. Speaking further, she said that the National Identity Project is two- fold: on the one hand, it attempts to put those in power on the right path to addressing the challenges confronting the nation through the Nigerian promises; on the other hand, the citizens’ code component highlights the expectations from citizens in the social contract.
Elucidating the National Values Charter, the NOA State Director highlighted seven core Nigerian promises that encapsulate what the citizens expect from those in position of power: equality, democracy, entrepreneurship, peace, freedom, inclusivity and meritocracy. Dr Afolayan equally tasked the citizens to be committed to the seven citizens’ code which are: Discipline,
Duty of caring for one another, environmental awareness, accountability, leadership, tolerance and resilience.
The Identity Project, according to the State Director, comes with a slogan: “We Must build Nigerians to build Nigeria.”
Dr Afolayan also harped on restoring dignity to Nigeria by obeying her national symbols and striving at all times to contribute to the nation’s progress.
The Director spoke about the regular feedback the government receives from the people through the agency. This, she noted, has yielded various interventions and palliatives to cushion the effects of hardship on the people.
Dr Afolayan commended the unwavering commitment of Fresh FM to value reorientation. She also appreciated Mayor Isaac Brown’s advocacy and support for the Agency and his commitment to nation building by presenting him and the Station with an outstanding partner award plaque.