The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has called on religious leaders and institutions to play a more active role in promoting national values, unity, and responsible citizenship as part of efforts to foster sustainable peace and development in Nigeria.
The appeal was made by the Kogi State Director of the agency, Mrs. Aileku Alli Ayedime, during a visit to the Lokoja headquarters of Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI).
Speaking during the engagement, Ayedime emphasized that the task of nation-building cannot be left to government alone, stressing that religious institutions remain critical partners in shaping the values and attitudes needed to strengthen social cohesion and national development.
She highlighted the agency’s National Values Charter, particularly the 7-for-7 Initiative, which she described as a social contract between government and citizens.
According to her, Nigerians expect government to deliver on seven key commitments, including security, justice, inclusivity, democratic governance, and employment opportunities. In return, citizens are expected to uphold values such as discipline, duty of care, tolerance, leadership, transparency, patriotism, and integrity.
Ayedime urged religious leaders to leverage their platforms to promote these values and encourage citizens to understand that rights and responsibilities must go hand in hand.
“Religious institutions are not merely observers in national development; they are vital partners in shaping the moral foundation of society,” she said.
The discussion also focused on pressing national challenges, including youth unemployment, poverty, insecurity, and the decline of mentorship among young people.
Participants expressed concern over the impact of these issues on communities, while acknowledging the need for both leadership accountability and individual responsibility in addressing them.
In their response, representatives of Jama’atu Nasril Islam commended the NOA for engaging religious stakeholders and pledged their support for the agency’s sensitization efforts.
They assured the agency that its messages on responsible citizenship, patriotism, and moral values would be disseminated through JNI’s extensive network of mosques, schools, and community structures across Kogi State.
The meeting ended with a shared commitment to strengthening collaboration between faith-based organizations and government institutions in promoting peace, unity, and national development.
Participants agreed that while government must fulfil its obligations to citizens, Nigerians also have a responsibility to contribute positively to society through active civic participation, community engagement, and adherence to ethical values.
The engagement formed part of NOA’s ongoing efforts to deepen public awareness of the National Values Charter and encourage greater citizen participation in nation-building.