The National Orientation Agency (NOA), Ebonyi Directorate, in collaboration with traditional rulers, has launched a campaign cautioning citizens against the abuse of the naira during social gatherings in the state.
The campaign, part of NOA’s ongoing nationwide enlightenment drive, seeks to discourage practices such as spraying or dancing on the nation’s currency at parties and events.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting with traditional rulers in Abakaliki on Wednesday, the Director-General of NOA, Malam Lanre Issa-Onilu represented by Mrs. Blessings-Ngozi Oyem, Director of Youth Engagement and Inclusion said the agency is committed to promoting respect for national values and symbols.
Issa-Onilu expressed concern over what he described as “extreme graduation celebrations” among students, warning that such practices run contrary to Nigeria’s cultural values. He called on parents, schools, and traditional institutions to support the campaign in discouraging the trend, especially in secondary schools and universities.
He noted that the campaign is part of NOA’s five thematic areas for nation-building, which include: enlightenment on government policies and programmes, flood mitigation and disaster preparedness, national security awareness, values reorientation for youths, and promotion of Nigerian identity and national symbols.
“We commend state governments such as Imo and Benue that have passed laws to check excesses in school graduation celebrations,” Issa-Onilu said. “NOA is prepared to clamp down on misconducts that disrespect national identity and symbols. Together, we can uphold our values and make Nigeria great.”
Traditional rulers in attendance pledged their support. Eze Boniface Nwamgbu, Igwebuike II of Izzi Nnuhu community, commended NOA for the initiative and vowed to take the message to his people.
Similarly, the NOA State Director in Ebonyi, Mr. Theophilus Nwokpor, said the campaign aims to reach at least three million citizens across the state’s 13 local government areas. He reiterated the call for citizens to respect national symbols and desist from the abuse of the naira at social functions.
