NOA Seeks Stronger Ties with NAWOJ to Boost Civic Education

The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has called for closer collaboration with the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) as part of efforts to strengthen civic education, promote national values, and ensure informed participation ahead of future elections.

Director-General of NOA, Lanre Issa-Onilu, made the call during a courtesy visit by NAWOJ officials, describing the engagement as strategic for national development and democratic consolidation.

Issa-Onilu said nation-building requires sustained partnerships between institutions responsible for public communication and citizen engagement, noting that the agency, which evolved from the MAMSER framework, operates a wide grassroots network with over 800 offices nationwide.

He highlighted NOA’s mandate in civic orientation and information management, while commending women journalists for their role in promoting ethical journalism and national development.

The NOA boss stressed the need to intensify voter and civic education, particularly among young Nigerians, pointing out that a large segment of the population is under 35 years of age.

He warned that increasing exposure to digital and foreign media content is reshaping societal values, underscoring the urgency of structured civic engagement.

Issa-Onilu disclosed that the agency has introduced the Nigerian Identity Project under the National Values Charter, built on a “seven-for-seven” framework outlining reciprocal responsibilities between government and citizens.

He added that the Federal Executive Council has approved key elements of the initiative, including the reintroduction of Citizenship Studies across all levels of education.

He further revealed plans to boost local content production for children, with a target that at least 70 per cent of cartoons consumed by Nigerian children reflect indigenous culture and values.

The Director-General also called for a more strategic use of communication tools to strengthen national cohesion and improve public perception, while advocating a shift from quota-based approaches to addressing deeper structural and cultural barriers limiting women’s participation in leadership.

In her remarks, NAWOJ National President, Aishatu Ibrahim, said the visit was aimed at strengthening collaboration on civic and voter education, ethical journalism, and tackling misinformation ahead of elections.

She proposed a joint initiative between both bodies, including nationwide training workshops, community outreach programmes targeting women and youth, development of civic education materials in local languages, and coordinated media campaigns to encourage inclusive participation.

Also speaking, a member of NAWOJ Board of Trustees, Zubair Jide Atta, emphasised the importance of national values and civic orientation, urging stronger integration of media and information literacy into the education system.

The meeting, according to the agency, reaffirmed the commitment of both organisations to deepen collaboration in promoting civic responsibility, national values, and inclusive governance as the country prepares for upcoming elections