NOA Tasks Youths on Positive Values for Peace, Nation Building

NOA Tasks Youths on Positive Values for Peace, Nation Building

Abiola Adigun | Albarka 89.9 FM | Ilorin| December 17 2025

The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has urged Nigerian youths to embrace a positive mindset and constructive values as critical drivers of peacebuilding, national unity and sustainable development.

The call was made by the Director-General of the Agency, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, at the National Social Impact Leaders Summit held at the National Universities Commission (NUC) Auditorium, Abuja. He was represented at the event by the Director of Youth Engagement and Inclusion, Mrs Blessing Oyem.

Issa-Onilu said Nigerian youths possess immense energy, creativity and capacity, noting however that these strengths are often underutilised. He stressed that effectively harnessing the potentials of young people is essential to driving national transformation and meaningful progress.

According to him, the core values that once guided the youth and served as the foundation of Nigerian society have gradually eroded, warning that sustainable development cannot be achieved without a deliberate effort to revive and instil these values across all levels of society.

The NOA boss emphasised the importance of leadership development, civic education and inclusive governance, stating that empowering young people with the right skills, mentorship and tools would keep them productively engaged and better prepared to contribute to nation building.

He also highlighted the growing influence of the digital space, describing it as a powerful tool for promoting national cohesion, peace and mutual understanding if properly utilised. He cautioned, however, that the same space could be exploited to spread misinformation, which he described as a serious threat to national stability.

Issa-Onilu therefore urged young Nigerians to be vigilant and discerning in their online engagements, advising them to rely only on verified, accurate and credible sources of information.

He further underscored the role of parents in shaping the mindset of teenagers and youths, saying they have a responsibility to instil positive values, promote patriotism and encourage peaceful conduct within society.

While acknowledging the role of families, the Director-General said nation building is a collective responsibility, stressing that meaningful progress can only be achieved through synergy among government agencies, the private sector, civil society organisations and grassroots groups.

He urged Nigerians to speak positively about the country and reject negative narratives, noting that protecting and projecting Nigeria’s image, both locally and internationally, is a shared duty of all citizens.