05/06/2026
NOA LAGOS STATE SENSITIZES STUDENTS ON NATIONAL VALUES CHARTER AND NATIONAL SYMBOLS IN SOMOLU
The National Orientation Agency (NOA), Lagos State, on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, organized an enlightenment and sensitization programme on the National Values Charter (NVC) and National Symbols for pupils and students within Somolu Local Government Area.
The programme, which held at the Somolu Council Secretariat, was part of the Agency's ongoing efforts to promote civic consciousness, patriotism, and value reorientation among the younger generation in line with its mandate of sensitizing citizens on government policies, programmes, and initiatives.
Mr. Ajayi Taiwo, the Community Orientation and Mobilisation Officer (COMO), Somolu LGA, educated participants on the National Values Charter (NVC), particularly the 7 for 7 Initiative, which outlines the reciprocal commitments of government and citizens towards national development. He encouraged the pupils and students to imbibe the citizens' values of patriotism, discipline, duty of care, tolerance, accountability, environmental awareness, and active participation in nation-building. To ensure effective understanding and inclusiveness, the sensitization was delivered in both English and Yoruba languages, enabling the participants to fully grasp the key messages and values being promoted.
Mr. Ajayi further stressed the need for young Nigerians to actively participate in nation-building by demonstrating good conduct both at home and in school. He reminded the students that "charity begins at home" and urged them to become worthy ambassadors of their families, schools, and communities.
Also speaking at the programme, Mrs. Oduntan Morufat A., Community Orientation and Mobilisation Officer (COMO), Bariga LCDA, explained Duty of Care under the NVC which highlighted the significance of national unity and peaceful coexistence. She encouraged the students to embrace the spirit of "One Nigeria" by treating everyone equally regardless of ethnic, religious, or cultural differences. According to her, national development can only be achieved when citizens live together in peace and harmony.
The resource persons also educated participants on the importance of Nigeria's National Symbols, including the National Flag, National Anthem, National Pledge, Coat of Arms, and the Nigerian Currency. They explained that these symbols represent the country's identity, sovereignty, and collective aspirations, urging the students to accord them the respect and dignity they deserve.
Participants were also encouraged to maintain discipline at all times, avoid negative influences, demonstrate honesty and patriotism, and report suspicious activities to appropriate authorities as part of their civic responsibilities. The facilitators further motivated the students with the message that "winners do not quit," encouraging them to remain focused on their education and future aspirations.
The programme attracted several dignitaries, including the wife of the Somolu Local Government Area Chairman, Honourable (Mrs.) Shakirat Ashimi; the Supervisory Councillor for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Honourable (Mrs.) Bola Dabiri; the Supervisory Councillor for Information and Communication Technology, Honourable Kola Mukail; the Supervisory Councillor for Agriculture and Social Development, Honourable Afeez Rahim; the Head of Department of Education, Somolu Local Government Area, Mrs. Ayodele Giwa; the Head of Lagos State Neighborhood Safety Corps, Mr. Olayemi Titus; the Chief Press Secretary to the Chairman of Somolu Local Government Area, Honourable Wasiu Adeyemi; and the Team Lead of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Mrs. Nneka Okafor.
Schools represented at the programme included Angus Memorial High School, Somolu Senior High School, St. Paul UNA Primary School, Jehovah Shalom Primary School, Bashua Military Primary School, St. Augustine Primary School, and St. Peter UNA Primary School, all within Somolu Local Government Area.
The sensitization programme provided an interactive platform for students to ask questions and share their views on national values, civic responsibilities, patriotism, and respect for national symbols. Participants demonstrated enthusiasm throughout the session and expressed a better understanding of the National Values Charter, the 7 for 7 Initiative, and the importance of upholding Nigeria's national values and symbols.
The Agency expressed optimism that the programme would contribute to nurturing a generation of responsible, disciplined, and patriotic citizens who will positively impact their communities and contribute meaningfully to national development.
The event received media coverage from the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), further amplifying the sensitization messages and extending the reach of the programme to a wider audience.
NOA Team Present were:
Mr. Ajayi T. Olayinka (COMO, Somolu LGA)
Mrs. Oduntan Morufat A (COMO, Bariga LCDA)
Mrs. Abidemi Okubote
Mrs. Bukola Oke