National Ordinance Day: NOA Charges Nigerians to Honour National Symbols

The Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, has called on Nigerians to show greater respect and commitment to the country’s national symbols as the nation commemorates National Ordinance Day 2025. Speaking in Abuja, the DG reminded citizens that the National Flag, Coat of Arms, National Anthem, Pledge, Constitution, and other emblems of sovereignty represent the unity, dignity, and identity of Nigeria. He stressed that giving proper recognition to these symbols is both a civic duty and a mark of patriotism. “Respect for our national symbols is respect for Nigeria itself. Each time we hoist the flag correctly, recite the pledge sincerely, or sing the anthem with pride, we affirm our loyalty and commitment to the ideals of our nation,” Issa-Onilu said. The DG noted that September 16 is set aside annually as National Ordinance Day to commemorate the handover of Nigeria’s national symbols at independence. He urged Nigerians to use the day as a reminder to live out the values of unity, discipline, and service embedded in the ordinances. Issa-Onilu further encouraged schools, communities, organizations, and government institutions to consciously integrate respect for national symbols into their daily practices, saying this will help deepen national identity and strengthen social cohesion. The NOA reaffirmed its commitment to continuous nationwide sensitization and collaboration with stakeholders to ensure that every Nigerian understands and upholds the dignity of the country’s symbols.

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DG NOA Advocates Strong Family Values for National Security

The Director General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, has called for the reinforcement of strong family values as a foundation for national security, stressing that the stability of the home directly influences the stability of the nation. Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC) Haske Biyu 2025 in Jaji, Kaduna state, Onilu described the family as the first school of citizenship where values, discipline, empathy, and responsibility are first instilled. He noted that when families are grounded in love and structure, they nurture responsible citizens who contribute positively to the nation. He warned that the breakdown of family systems often leads to societal instability, with consequences such as youth delinquency, drug abuse, cultism, and even recruitment into extremist groups. According to him, moral neglect, poverty, and lack of parental guidance can become a breeding ground for insecurity if not addressed from the home. The event in jaji drew the participation of critical security stakeholders from various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), reflecting a broad-based commitment to strengthening national security.

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Eid-ul-Maulid: NOA Task Nigerians On Peace, Development

Eid-ul-Maulid: NOA Urges Nigerians to Promote Peace, Unity, and National Development

ABUJA – As Muslims across the country celebrate Eid-ul-Maulid, the National Orientation Agency (NOA) has extended warm greetings to the Muslim Ummah and all Nigerians, urging citizens to embrace the values of peace, forgiveness, and national unity in line with the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him). In a statement released Friday and signed by the Director of Communication and Media, Bala Musa, the agency called on Nigerians to use the occasion to reflect on the Prophet’s life and commit to fostering a peaceful and progressive society. The Director General of NOA, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, emphasized the importance of upholding the rule of law and promoting values that unite the nation. “On the celebration of the birth of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), we urge Nigerians to embrace forgiveness and draw closer to the noble life and teachings of the Prophet, which remain a guide for peaceful and upright living,” the statement read. Issa-Onilu noted that unity among Nigerians is a critical tool in combating insecurity and achieving lasting peace. “When citizens stand together and support ongoing security efforts, the nation is better positioned to overcome violence and build a stable future,” he said. Describing the Prophet as an embodiment of peace, compassion, and tolerance, the NOA chief called on Muslims to reflect these virtues in their daily lives and interactions, while also contributing to national harmony and development. The statement included a prayer for peace, unity, and progress across Nigeria, as well as guidance and wisdom for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in his efforts to lead the country toward sustained growth. Earlier, the Federal Government had declared Friday, September 5, 2025, a public holiday in commemoration of the Eid-ul-Maulid celebration. In a related message, the Ministry of Interior, through a statement by Dr. Magdalene Ajani, Permanent Secretary, on behalf of the Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, congratulated the Muslim faithful and urged all Nigerians to reflect on the Prophet’s timeless virtues of love, humility, tolerance, and compassion. The ministry also encouraged Nigerians of all faiths to use the occasion to pray for national security, stability, and unity, and to support ongoing government efforts to strengthen peace and development across the country.

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Tertiary Institutions Shortchanging Students with Student Loans

Recent investigations into the disbursement of the Federal Government Student Loan Fund have uncovered several unethical practices by some institutions of higher learning. According to the latest report by the Community Orientation and Mobilisation Officers (COMO), of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), schools and banks are conspiring to short-change the students. Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, the Director General of the NOA, announced the findings after meeting with NELFUND Managing Director, Mr. Akintunde Sawyerr, over the weekend. Initial reports indicated that certain university officials have been withholding vital information regarding loan disbursements, prompting immediate action from NELFUND. The NOA’s feedback shows how specific institutions have, in connivance with some banks, deliberately delayed payments to successful student applicants for personal financial benefit. Some universities fail to acknowledge the NELFUND’s disbursements to the students. Mr. Akintunde Sawyerr confirmed that some institutions are failing to inform students about loan disbursements made in their name while still requiring them to pay tuition fees. He stated, “Recent findings by NELFUND have shown that some institutions have received student loan disbursements directly into their accounts yet neglect to inform the affected students or record the payments in their financial records, leading to unnecessary confusion. “Withholding critical financial information from students is not only unethical but also a breach of the principles on which NELFUND was founded. We are prepared to take legal action against any institution engaged in such deceptive practices.” In response, Mallam Issa-Onilu has issued a strong warning to these institutions and collaborating banks to cease such activities. NOA has directed its state directorates to provide further feedback from students across the country to ensure that the Federal Government takes appropriate actions against erring schools and banks.

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