The federal government has announced the establishment of the National Citizens Value Brigade in primary and secondary schools across the country, in a bid to cultivate role models and ambassadors that embody the nation’s values.
Speaking after a meeting of the Federal Executive Council, chaired by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, confirmed the initiative.
“The Council has approved several changes to strengthen our national value system.
“The chief of these is the establishment of the National Citizens Value Brigade in all primary and secondary schools. This will raise role model citizens for Nigeria,” Idris said.
The minister highlighted growing concerns about the erosion of values among young people, noting that this decline is contributing to a rise in misconduct.
“The Council has noted the gradual erosion of our values, especially among the younger generation. This is leading to behaviours and actions that are not in line with our traditions and norms,” he said.
There is a need to return to the core values that Nigeria has been known for over time. Council has approved a number of policy changes to address this,” he said.
In addition to the brigade, the Council also approved the mandatory inclusion of a National Value Charter in the curricula of basic and post-basic schools.
Idris said that this would be incorporated into civic education lessons and would also extend to government officials.
“There was approval for the inclusion of a National Value Charter and national symbols to be made mandatory, not just in our schools but also among government appointees,” he explained.
For example, at every retreat marking the start of an administration, members of the Federal Executive Council will be trained on national values and the standardisation of our national symbols.
These symbols include the national flag and the Naira notes, which Idris said would be part of a broader effort to standardise how they are used in both public and private settings.
The National Orientation Agency will oversee how these symbols are displayed, ensuring they are used properly in cars, offices, and other public spaces,”the minister noted.
There is a need for value reorientation among all Nigerians, and this is something the administration will prioritise,” he added.
According to Idris, the goal of these initiatives is to reclaim the country’s declining value system and set Nigeria on a sustainable path toward development.
