FIC Report (Delta State) – The National Orientation Agency (NOA), has appealed to Nigerians to unite in their commitment to addressing critical issues bordering on the Nation’s well being, unity and development.
The agency’s Director- General, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, represented by the Director General Services Department, Mrs. Rebecca Nasamie made the call in Asaba during a Town Hall meeting organised by NOA to flag off a nationwide sensitisation campaign on critical issues that are central to the nation’s well being and development.
According to the NOA Director General, “we are commencing a nationwide mobilization of Nigerians to unite in our commitment to addressing these pressing issues and fostering a more informed, secure, and ethical society. The challenges before us require collective action and active participation from all Nigerians”, he noted.
Mallam Issa-Onilu further outlined the five critical issues to include: World HIV/AIDS Day, Security Awareness, Shunning the Get-Rich Quick Syndrome, World Human Rights Day and the ongoing Tax Reform Bills currently before the National Assembly.
The NOA DG, explained that Federal Government has intensified efforts to provide free and accessible HIV testing and councelling services nationwide. He also stated that Government has ensured that anti retroviral treatment is available and accessible to people living with HIV/AIDS as well as partner with local and international organisations to combat stigma and discrimination against those living with the disease.
He however emphasised that government alone cannot win the fight against HIV/AIDS and stressed that citizens must take advantage of the services provided by government and other entities, practice responsible health behaviours and support those living with HIV/AIDS. The DG also explained that citizens have a big role to play in halting the spread of HIV/AIDS. He assured the public that NOA would carry the message across the nation through the agency’s diverse messaging platforms.
On the issue of Security Awareness, he called on Nigerians to note that security is responsibility of all citizens as he urged everyone to be alert and report any suspicious movement and also cooperate with law enforcement agencies in the fight against insecurity in the country.
The DG identified: strengthening security architecture through better equipment; training and increased funding for security agencies; expanding policing initiatives to improve collaboration between citizens and law enforcement among others.
Equally highlighted, was the issue of Shunning Get-Rich Quick Syndrome. He appealed to parents to monitor their wards while also calling on schools, faith based organisations and teachers to educate the youths most especially on the consequences of quest for Get -Rich Quick Syndrome which he noted was becoming attractive to many Nigerians especially youths across the nation.
The NOA boss called on the youths to key into the ongoing National Social Investment Program(NSIP) and skill acquisition initiatives while also urging them to access the Federal Government Small and Medium Skill Enterprises given through grants and loans to promote entrepreneurship. He called on Nigerians to reject short cut to wealth but rather, embrace integrity and hard work.
Speaking on the area of fundamental human rights, the NOA DG stated that government remains committed to protecting the dignity of every Nigerian pointing out that Government efforts in that regard include; strengthening legal frameworks to address human right violations including gender based violence and child trafficking. Establish support centres for survivors of abuse and violence in collaboration with civil society as well as promoting constitutional awareness to ensure that citizens understand their rights.
Mallam Issa-Onilu reiterated that these efforts can only be successful when citizens stand for justice, respect the rights of others and report violations to the appropriate authorities.
On the trending issue of Tax Reform currently before the National Assembly, the DG identified the four bills namely; The Nigeria Tax Bill, The Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, The Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill and The Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill. He noted that the Tax Reform Bill will help to address issues of double taxation, support for low income and other silient points embedded in the Tax Reforms.
According to him, when passed, the Nigeria Tax Bill will lead to a repeal of eleven laws that contain provisions on imposition and collection of taxes.
The NOA Director General who noted that the media remain indispensable in shaping public perceptions and attitudes urged the media to partner with the agency in spreading these critical messages aimed at ensuring that every Nigerian was informed and inspired to act.
Earlier, the State Director NOA, Mrs. Tracy Ikolomi welcomed participants to the Town Hall meeting and appreciated the Director General, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu for his support in ensuring that the program got to the people at the grassroots. She also thanked her Management and entire Staff of NOA Delta State that worked hard for the success of the program.
The event witnessed the presence of top government functionaries both Federal and State. There were Goodwill messages from participants who commanded NOA for the initiative.
There was also group photographs with the representative of the NOA Director General Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu with Staff and other invited guests.
Signed
Celestine Afokobah
FIC Asaba
