The National Orientation Agency (NOA) in Abia State has called on Nigerian youth to reject social vices and embrace positive values that promote national development and social cohesion.
The State Director of NOA, Comrade Victor Orji, made the call while delivering a lecture on “Value Reorientation” to the 2026 Batch ‘B’ Stream I corps members at the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Orientation Camp in Umunna, Bende Local Government Area of Abia State.
Represented by the Deputy Director of Youth Engagement and Inclusion, Mr. Goddy Onwuchekwa, Orji urged the corps members to abandon negative attitudes and uphold virtues such as discipline, integrity, dignity of labour, patriotism, religious tolerance, and a strong sense of duty.
He said the Federal Government, through the NOA, is working to foster a society built on positive values capable of earning Nigeria greater respect within the international community.
According to him, the agency has introduced the National Identity Project as a framework to guide Nigerians, regardless of ethnic, religious, or social background, towards a shared national vision anchored on responsible citizenship.
Orji expressed concern over what he described as the steady erosion of traditional values that once defined the nation’s social fabric. He stressed the need for a collective effort to revive the principles that contributed to the growth and stability of society.
The NOA director also encouraged the corps members to embrace the National Value Charter, noting that the initiative seeks to promote enduring character traits that can be passed on to future generations.
He emphasized that the prosperity of any nation depends not only on economic progress but also on the attitudes and values of its citizens. He highlighted the importance of the “Nigerian Promise” and the “Citizens’ Code,” which outline the responsibilities of government to citizens and the obligations of citizens to the nation.
Describing young people as the nation’s future leaders, Orji called for greater transparency and accountability in public and private life. He urged the youth to take an active role in combating corruption, which he said continues to undermine national development.
He further encouraged the corps members to demonstrate patriotism and responsible conduct, stressing that the character and actions of citizens play a crucial role in determining the success and well-being of a nation.
According to him, Nigeria can achieve meaningful transformation if its youth consistently choose to do the right thing.