NOA Urges Nigerians to Put National Unity Above Divisions
By Ali Mohammed Zanna, Maiduguri
The National Orientation Agency (NOA), Borno State Directorate, has urged Nigerians to renew their commitment to patriotism, national unity and the country’s core values as Nigeria celebrates its 66th Independence Anniversary.
The State Director of the agency, Mr Michael Daniel Bdliya, made the call in a goodwill message marking the anniversary.
Bdliya said Nigeria’s diversity should be regarded as a source of strength and national development rather than a basis for division.
He said independence should not only be seen as a celebration of freedom from colonial rule but also as a reminder of citizens’ collective responsibility to build a nation founded on unity, integrity and patriotism.
According to him, Borno State, having passed through years of challenges, represents the resilience and determination of Nigerians to overcome adversity.
The NOA director urged citizens to place national interest above personal and sectional interests, while promoting tolerance, peaceful coexistence and respect for people irrespective of ethnic, religious or political differences.
He also called on Nigerians to uphold the National Core Values, including discipline, integrity, dignity of labour, social justice, religious tolerance, self-reliance and patriotism.
Bdliya stressed the importance of youths, traditional rulers, religious leaders and community stakeholders in promoting national unity and strengthening civic values at the grassroots.
He also urged the media and civil society organisations to intensify campaigns that promote nation-building, social cohesion and responsible citizenship.
“A united Nigeria is a stronger Nigeria. As we celebrate 66 years, let us commit to the Nigeria of our dreams by living the values that bind us together,” he said.
The NOA Borno Directorate reaffirmed its commitment to sensitisation and civic education programmes aimed at promoting national identity, government policies and social cohesion across the state’s 27 local government areas.
