By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
The Director-General of the National Orientation Agency, NOA, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, has said that absence of National Identity is undermining national unity, patriotism and love for the nation.
Issa-Onilu made this known on Tuesday in Abuja at the Agency’s presentation of the 7-7 National Values Charter.
The 7-7 National Values Charter is a platform designed to address Nigeria’s long-standing identity crisis and create mutual accountability between leadership and citizens.
“Our failure as a country is because our national identity has not evolved.”
“Until we evolve a national identity, we cannot achieve the unity, patriotism, and love for the country that we are looking for.”
Issa- Onilu explained that fragmented efforts in the past failed to build a shared sense of purpose, with previous campaigns focusing primarily on citizens while neglecting the role of leadership and institutional support.
This disconnect has left individuals relying on ethnic or religious affiliations, preventing the emergence of a unified identity, adding that past initiatives often emphasized slogans over substantive reforms, the NOA boss noted.
He emphasized the need for institutional reforms to instill societal values among the citizens, adding that nations like Japan, China and the United States have done so.
“For most countries, one can clearly define their citizenship. When you see Americans, Japanese, or Chinese, they have their attributes. Even foreign students in the U.S. are taught the American way of life,” he stated.
He therefore underscored the urgency in implementing these reforms, adding that they are essential for building a unified and prosperous Nigeria.
“The success of these reforms could lay the foundation for a stronger emotional bond between Nigerians and their country,” he said.
Daybreak reports that, The 7-7 National Values Charter proposed by NOA outlines a two-way commitment: the “Nigerian Promise,” which defines the government’s responsibilities to its citizens, and the “Citizen Codes,” which articulates citizens’ obligations.
The two components are structured around seven core pillars aimed at fostering accountability and connection.
