National Orientation Agency (NOA) has tasked citizens to be security conscious and promote ethical values to address insecurity and other vices in Nigeria.
Dr Priscilla Gondoaluor, Nasarawa State Director, NOA stated this at a stakeholders engagement on Promoting Awareness, Ethical Values and National Development, held on Tuesday in Lafia.
She said that the stakeholders’ engagement was in continuation of the Agency’s sensitisation campaigns on government policies and programmes, as well as mobilisation and orientation of citizens towards a safe, progressive, and united nation.
According to her, the meeting is to address some critical issues that are central to Nigeria’s well-being, unity, and development; issues that threaten and erode the core values of Nigeria as a nation.
Gondoaluor pointed out that security remained the priority of the government, saying that a lot had been done in that direction by the Federal and States government through various initiatives.
She, however, noted that insecurity had continued in communities in the forms of kidnapping, armed robbery attacks, internet fraud, and communal clashes that resulted in massive loss of lives.
“The efforts of government required the active support of citizens who must report suspicious activities, individuals and movements and cooperate with law enforcement agencies. The individuals involved in these activities are among us.
“Citizens also need to be alert and proactive in protecting lives. They should ensure to clear all environments of tall grasses and bushy trees, install security lights around their homes, lock vehicles when in use or not in use, lock doors and gates always,” she said.
The state director also emphasised the need for citizens to be mindful of their conversations, especially as they relate to finances and private issues when in public places and vehicles, and avoid exposing their families on social media.
“We urge Nigerians to be conscious of the fact that security begins with you and I. Security awareness is key to safety, ” she said.
Gondoaluor stressed the need for citizens to shun the get-rich-quick syndrome, saying that it also posed a threat to security.
According to her, the government recognises that the erosion of our age-long values and economic hardship often drives individuals toward unethical practices.
She maintained that the government, in trying to address the situation, implemented several youth empowerment programmes such as the National Social Investment Programme (NSIP), skill acquisition initiatives, and the Students Loans Scheme, amongst others.
“Citizens must reject shortcuts to wealth and embrace the values of integrity, hard work, and the opportunities provided through government initiatives to make life better for all citizens, ” she said.
On human rights, the state director said that the government remained committed to protecting the dignity of every Nigerian through various initiatives, such as strengthening legal frameworks to address human rights violations, including gender-based violence and child trafficking.
She noted that the government was also
promoting constitutional awareness to ensure citizens understand their rights and responsibilities.
“These efforts can only be successful when citizens stand for justice, respect the rights of others, and report violations to the appropriate authorities,” she said.
She, therefore, urged the stakeholders to unite in commitment to addressing the pressing issues and fostering a more informed, secure, and ethical society.
In his remarks, the chairman of the occasion, Mr Solomon Akwashiki, member representing Lafia Central Constituency at the State Assembly, urged leaders to lead with the fear of God and do justice to all.
Akwashiki challenged the political class and leaders at all levels to live by example and ensure justice to enhance peace and security in society.
Also, Dr. Ibrahim Adamu, Permanent Secretary, Nasarawa State Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, commended NOA for the engagement and emphasised the importance of ethical reorientation from the family level.
Adamu also advocated for the review of Nigeria’s education curriculum with emphasis on skills acquisition.
This, he said, would reduce youth unemployment, which had compounded the country’s security challenges.
Participants at the meeting included traditional rulers, representatives of religious groups, ethnic groups, security agencies, academia, and trade unions, amongst others.
