The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has appealed to Nigerians to be patient with the federal government, assuring that the ongoing sectoral reforms will soon give way to a new lease of life with positive impacts on the people’s well-being.
Launching a road walk sensitisation campaign in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, NOA explained that the move became necessary to ensure that people were sufficiently educated on the truth about people-oriented policies and programmes addressing the country’s prevailing socio-economic challenges.
The event saw participants from different sectors of society, including civil society groups and government officials, walk through major city streets with banners and placards bearing messages of patriotism, good governance, and national unity.
The NOA emphasised the need for citizens to hold the government accountable while embracing national values such as integrity, hard work, and community service.
Addressing the participants, Mr Mkpoutom Ufot Mkpoutom, the state director of NOA, disclosed that the ongoing reforms aimed at repositioning Nigeria, explaining that “many sectors of government are undergoing reforms, and part of it is to reposition Nigeria, where all of us can come together in unity.”
“The government of today is very serious both at the state and national levels, though we have yet to see how the local government will fully respond, especially with local government autonomy, which is very important to all Nigerians,” he stressed.
Mr Mkpoutom, therefore, emphasised the need for cooperation between the government and its citizens to ensure reforms are successful. “The government needs the cooperation of its citizens to work as a team, and we urge all parties involved to do their work perfectly to make Nigeria a better place for us all.
“This sensitization programme is ongoing till December 2024, and we will continue spreading this message across the state”, he added.
He reiterated the importance of the public being informed and engaged with government policies and initiatives and called on the citizens to be proactive in their civic responsibilities, noting that collective effort is needed to move the nation forward.
Elder Akpan Abraham, the state deputy director of programmes at NOA, also explained the purpose of the walk to the residents. “Today, we are walking around Uyo to inform the people that the government is ready to cooperate with citizens and residents to make Nigeria a better place. We urge people to be patient with the government, as very soon, things will improve.”
On her part, Mrs Atim Otoyo, deputy director of PRS at NOA, underscored the government’s renewed focus on core values as enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution.
“We are sent by the federal government to enlighten the state about the promises made to her citizens. The government saw that, in the past, section 33 of the Nigerian Constitution mandated citizens on their values, obedience, and the dignity of labour.
“However, over time, these values have not functioned as expected because they were one-sided. The federal government, through the NOA, has introduced new policies to ensure these attributes are balanced for everyone.”
She also stressed the importance of equality before the law, stating, “The government has promised that from now on, everyone will be equal before the law, regardless of whether you are from the North, South, East, or West. We are all bound by the Nigerian Constitution.”
Otoyo concluded by outlining the government’s promises on security, employment, and inclusive governance. “The government has promised to run a smooth democratic system, ensure employment, and provide security because no nation can prosper without peace and freedom. However, citizens are urged to express their rights without resorting to violence. The government also promises meritocracy, where everyone will have a chance based on ability, not connections.”
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