As Nigeria marks its 66th Independence Anniversary, the National Orientation Agency has called for renewed commitment to national unity and development. The Director-General of NOA, Lanre Issa-Onilu, made the call in his message ahead of the anniversary. He described Nigeria’s independence from colonial rule as a defining milestone that gave Nigerians the opportunity to determine their own destiny and shape their country’s future.
According to Issa-Onilu, Nigeria had made steady progress over the years despite the challenges it had faced. He urged citizens to recognise the achievements recorded while remaining committed to addressing areas where further improvement is needed. The Director-General emphasised that the progress of the country depends not only on what the government does, but also on what each of its citizens contributes.
Issa-Onilu stressed that government alone cannot build the Nigeria that citizens desire. He called for greater participation, cooperation and commitment from Nigerians in supporting national development efforts. The Director-General encouraged citizens to take responsibility for the Nigeria they want and to contribute to the country’s progress through their individual actions.
As the 2027 general elections draw nearer, Issa-Onilu urged Nigerians to protect the peace and unity of the country. He encouraged them to respect political differences, reject hate speech and violence, and resolve disagreements through lawful and democratic means. The Director-General emphasised that political competition should not be allowed to undermine the bonds that unite Nigerians.
Issa-Onilu also urged citizens to promote issue-based engagement, respect divergent views and uphold the rule of law before, during and after the elections. He highlighted the importance of responsible citizenship and encouraged Nigerians to sustain the gains of independence through increased productivity, self-reliance and positive contributions to their communities.
The Director-General concluded by reaffirming the Agency’s commitment to promoting patriotism, national unity and responsible citizenship. He stated that NOA will continue to provide citizens with accurate information on government policies and programmes and encourage constructive participation in the nation’s development.
The National Orientation Agency’s call for citizens’ support comes as Nigeria continues to face various challenges. The Agency’s efforts aim to promote a sense of national unity and responsibility among citizens. By working together, Nigerians can build a more peaceful, productive and prosperous nation.
Key points
- National Orientation Agency calls for renewed commitment to national unity and development
- Citizens urged to support government efforts for progress
- NOA reaffirms commitment to promoting patriotism, national unity and responsible citizenship
